Anemia
An abnormally low number of red blood cells in the blood.
Bacteremia
Bacterial infection of the blood.
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
A blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. DVTs are dangerous because they may become dislodged and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).
An uncontrolled process of simultaneous bleeding and clotting in very small blood vessels. DIC usually results from severe infections or cancer.
Hematoma
A collection of blood inside the body tissues. Internal bleeding often causes a hematoma.
Hemochromatosis
A disorder causing excessive levels of iron in the blood. The iron deposits in the liver, pancreas and other organs, causing liver problems and diabetes.
Hemolytic anemia
Anemia caused by rapid bursting of large numbers of red blood cells (hemolysis).
Hemophilia
An inherited (genetic) deficiency of certain blood clotting proteins. Frequent or uncontrolled bleeding can result from hemophilia.
Hemorrhage
(Bleeding) Blood leaking out of blood vessels may be obvious, as from a wound penetrating the skin.
Hypercoaguable state
Numerous conditions can result in the blood being prone to clotting. A heart attack, stroke, or blood clots in the legs or lungs can result.
Leukemia
A form of blood cancer, in which white blood cells multiply abnormally and circulate through the blood. The excessive large numbers of white cells deposit in the body's tissues, causing damage.
Leukopenia
Abnormally low numbers of white blood cells in the blood. Leukopenia can result in difficulty fighting infections.
Lymphoma
A form of blood cancer, in which white blood cells multiply abnormally inside lymph nodes and other tissues. The enlarging tissues, and disruption of blood's functions, can eventually cause organ failure.
Malaria
Infection of red blood cells by Plasmodium, a parasite transmitted by mosquitos. Malaria causes episodic fevers, chills, and potentially organ damage.
Multiple myeloma
A form of blood cancer of plasma cells similar to leukemia. Anemia, kidney failure and high blood calcium levels are common in multiple myeloma.
Myocardial infarction (MI)
Commonly called a heart attack, a myocardial infarction occurs when a sudden blood clot develops in one of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart.
Polycythemia
Abnormally high numbers of red blood cells in the blood. Polycythemia can result from low blood oxygen levels, or may occur as a cancer-like condition.
Sickle cell disease
A genetic condition in which red blood cells periodically lose their proper shape (appearing like sickles, rather than discs). The deformed blood cells deposit in tissues, causing pain and organ damage.
Thrombocytopenia
Abnormally low numbers of platelets in the blood. Severe thrombocytopenia may lead to bleeding.
