What are very low hemoglobin levels for an Anemic?

Question

Extremely low?

Answer 1

there is no absolute values...usually doctors are worried once the person develops symptoms to the anaemia (difficulty breathing, tired easily, dizziness etc.)

i have seen haemoglobin levels of 2.0 g/dL in a thallasaemic child, and he is still running around

Answer 2

Intervention such as a transfusion is usually required for Hgb (hemoglobin) less than 5 - though some people may survive with lower values - but risk brain damage. People that experience chronic anemia - such as iron deficiency anemia - usually tolerate Hgb between 5-7 and often do not realize how low they are. They may be fatigued, get short of breath, and have a more rapid heart beat to compensate. This can be complicated or a problem though if they have other diseases as well. A lot of individuals with Chronic Kidney Failure undergoing Renal Dialysis maintain a Hgb of 7 routinely with no adverse affects.
A person with a Hgb in the normal range that suddenly experiences an acute hemorrhage due to accident, GI bleed, or post surgical blood loss may not be as able to tolerate Hgb this low and may need transfusion between Hgb 5-8. Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (heart attack) need to be kept at a higher range than others and are often transfused between Hgb 7-9. Studies have proven that patients treated conservatively with blood transfusions (with the exception of older people having an MI) -i.e. not given blood transfusions - actually do better than patients that are given blood.
A young person that is experiencing chronic anemia as a result of an inadequate diet that has iron deficiency may also be short of other vitamins, minerals and nutrients as well. This person should seek the guidance of a nutritionist ASAP - especially if this is the same person that is planning on going on a 5 day water fast and is an Anemic. The same person that I suspect may be suffering from Anorexia!

Answer 3

usually Hgb levels of less than 7.0 indicate the need for either a transfusion, iron supplements or subcutaneous injections of Epogen to stimulate red blood cell production. Depends also on a "disease" states you might have ie: kidney disease or liver,spleen abnormalities. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

i cant tell you all the exact readings but mine is down to 7 and i have to have an iron fusion next week dr says it is to low for the iron pills to work