Blood and blood vessels

Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the cells of our body and helps us fight infection. Veins, arteries and capillaries are blood vessels that combine with the heart to make up the circulatory system.

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Topic: Blood related conditions

Anaemia

When a person is anaemic, the red blood cells have to work harder to get oxygen around the body.

Cholesterol

Your body needs cholesterol, but it can make its own. You don't need cholesterol in your diet.

Deep vein thrombosis

Long international flights are suspected of contributing to deep vein thrombosis in susceptible people.

Haemochromatosis

Haemochromatosis (iron overload disorder) tends to be under-diagnosed, partly because its symptoms are similar to those caused by a range of other illnesses.

Haemophilia

All children with severe haemophilia are given preventative treatment with infusions of blood products before they have a bleed.

Hughes syndrome

Hughes syndrome is thickening of the blood caused by abnormal immune system cells.

Iron deficiency - adults

Don't take iron supplements unless advised by your doctor.

Iron deficiency - children

Keep iron supplements away from children - as little as one to three grams can kill a child under six years.

Polycythaemia vera

Polycythaemia vera is characterised by the production of too many red blood cells, caused by abnormal function of the bone marrow.

Porphyria

Porphyria can affect the skin, nervous system, gastrointestinal system or all of these, depending on the specific type.

Septicaemia

Bacteria in the bowels, urinary tract, mouth and skin can cause disease if they get into the bloodstream.

Thalassaemia

Thalassaemia is an inherited blood disorder that can cause anaemia or death if not treated.

Health conditions