Mild iron deficiency anemia is generally not troublesome or causes any complications. But if anemia is severe and present for long duration without proper treatment, may lead to several complications and health problems such as heart problems, problem of growth and development in children and during pregnancy iron deficiency anemia can have serious consequences.


Cardiovascular complications of iron deficiency anemia:

Iron deficiency anemia may cause arrhythmia and rapid pulse rate. In individuals with iron deficiency anemia the heart may become enlarged (hypertrophy), which is due to excess work heart has to perform to supply oxygen in tissues including heart and other vital organs as there is less oxygen carrying capacity of blood in iron deficiency anemia due to low hemoglobin content. If the individual have coronary artery diseases such as atherosclerosis, which cause narrowing of the arteries there may be lack (reduced) of blood supply to the heart and may result in angina (chest pain).

Iron deficiency anemia also complicates (precipitate) other heart disease such as mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation etc. where heart is unable to perform its designated function appropriately. There may be breathing problem due to low hemoglobin as blood can not carry enough oxygen to the tissues.

Growth problems in children:


Iron deficiency anemia if severe may cause growth retardation or delayed growth. Severe iron deficiency anemia in children may delay physical as well as mental growth and also children with severe anemia are at higher risk of infections.

Pregnancy complications:


Iron deficiency anemia, especially if severe cause complications during pregnancy and the baby born to pregnant mother is at high risk of developing anemia and other problems such as delayed growth and development. Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy may result in premature delivery and low birth weight (LBW) babies. This condition can be prevented by supplementing iron during pregnancy.