Recently, I have noticed that my veins have shrunk to a very small size. I used to be able to see that they were a 'normal' size before. Currently, I am taking iron for anemia. Do veins become smaller when the hemocrit shrinks in size?
2006-10-16 18:06:09 · 3 answers · asked by UnderGrad Student 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Understand first that our bodies circulatory system is a closed circuit system (meaning the ends of the water hose are screwed together) and secondly that this system is composed of arteries (carry oxygen rich blood to body) and veins (carry oxygen depleted blood back to the lungs). Another distinct difference between the two is that our arteries are far more rigid (structurally) than are our veins. When you lacerate a vein you can usually control the bleeding using simple techniques of pressure and elevation. The vein, lacking any real "rigidity" and being a lower pressure (Diastole or "bottom number" versus Systole or "top number") portion of our circulatory system quickly produces adequate clotting (scab). Arterial lacerations are life threatening emergencies that should be treated emergently. The halmark characteristic of an "arterial" laceration is a term known as "arterial spurt," where the blood spurts from the site of injury in a synchronized pattern with the victims heart rate. This type of bleeding is very difficult if not near impossible to control without the use of a tourniquet or a highly trained and specialized Emergency Medical responder or Nurse. Pressure, elevation, pressure points, cold packs and in extreme cases tourniquets, is the method of treatment for such an injury --- however, these treatments SHOULD NOT DELAY the transporting of these patients to an Emergency Center.
Regarding the size of the vessels in response to your treatment regimin I can find no documented correlation. Interestingly, as we age our body begins developing more and more "small" arteries and veins. This is especially important when considering the risks/mortalities of having a heart attack at the age of say 45 versus someone who is say 80. The 80 year old has developed far more "collateral circulation" than someone who is 45: this is to say, if the interstate of oxygen is blocked to the warehouse of the heart, the delievery trucks (red blood cells) have many other side streets that they can utilize in reaching their target destination.
Pardon the tangents - I hope this helps. Also, despite treatment with oral vitamin supplements, be sure you maintain a diet high in iron. Be sure and eat things like meat, rasins and whole wheat bread in order to maintain your body's "savings account" of iron.
Good Day.
CFCCRN
2006-10-16 18:43:38 · answer #1 · answered by RN - Paramedic 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think they have anything in common. I have iron deficient anemia and have read quite a bit about it, and that never came up. Chances are you are probably dehydrated. Are you drinking enough fluids?
2006-10-17 01:08:22 · answer #2 · answered by Danerz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
your blood pressure and heart rate should try and compensate for your anemia, so yes that sounds like it makes sense to me. if i remembered it right.
2006-10-17 01:08:32 · answer #3 · answered by nobudE 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋