10 Causes of Heart Palpitations
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Cause #9: Anemia
The redness of our blood is caused by hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells. This protein carries iron, which has an affinity with oxygen. Iron allows oxygen to attach itself to the hemoglobin, and the red cells then carry the oxygen to where it is needed in the body.
When there are insufficient red blood cells and/or hemoglobin then the body cannot get enough oxygen. This condition is known as anemia and one way in which the body compensates is to increase the heartbeat in order to try and increase the circulation of oxygen. This is felt by the patient in the form of palpitations. Anemia is treatable, and the palpitations will subside when oxygenated blood flow is restored to normal levels.
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