Disorders of Cardiac Function / Hematology (Blood and Anemias)

Hemoglobin

The molecule on RBCs that carries oxygen to cells and helps carry CO2 away; primary determinant of oxygen-carrying capacity.

Oxygen-carrying capacity

The total ability of the blood to transport oxygen to tissues, driven by the amount of hemoglobin/RBCs.

Plasma

Liquid component of blood (~55%), mostly water, containing albumin, globulins, hormones, ions, gases, and wastes.

Formed elements

Cellular components of blood, including erythrocytes (RBCs), leukocytes (WBCs), and platelets.

Hematopoiesis

Production of blood cells in bone marrow, stimulated by erythropoietin for RBCs.

Erythropoietin

Hormone secreted by the kidneys that stimulates RBC production in the bone marrow.

Reticulocyte

Immature red blood cell.

Hematocrit (Hct)

Percentage of blood made up by formed elements (RBCs) in a sample.

MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration)

Lab measure indicating RBC color/hemoglobin concentration.

Hypovolemic shock

Shock state from low circulating blood volume, can result from severe acute blood loss.

Coelomychia

Spoon-shaped nails associated with iron deficiency anemia.

Pica

Craving and consumption of non-food items, associated with iron deficiency in some patients.

Hemolytic anemia

Anemia due to increased RBC destruction.

Anemia

Decreased number of RBCs or decreased hemoglobin leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.

MCV (mean corpuscular volume)

Lab measure indicating RBC size.

Acute blood loss anemia

Anemia caused by sudden, significant loss of blood volume.

Sickle cell disease

Autosomal recessive disorder that leads to hemoglobin S polymerizing under hypoxic conditions, causing RBCs to sickle.

Iron deficiency anemia

The most common anemia worldwide, characterized by inadequate iron leading to reduced hemoglobin synthesis in RBCs.