Definition - low blood Hb due to a reduced red cell mass or raised plasma volume (dilution), has an underlying cause

Anaemia is initially subdivided into three main categories based on the size of the red blood cell (the MCV). These have different underlying causes:

Microcytic anaemia 

Normocytic anaemia 

Macrocytic anaemia 

PC:

• Tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Palpitations
• Worsening of other conditions such as angina, heart failure or peripheral vascular disease

RED FLAGS - weight loss, fatigue, night sweats

Physical exam:

Generic signs of anaemia:

• Pale skin
• Conjunctival pallor