Extreme Fatigue

Fatigue is the most common symptom of iron deficiency, although it is often the most overlooked. Because many people have hectic, tiring schedules, they may attribute fatigue to daily stresses and routines. However, fatigue accompanied by other symptoms, especially weakness, inability to focus or irritability, may require a visit to your doctor to find out if you have iron-deficient anemia.

Pale Skin

Hemoglobin, the substance that the body produces with the help of iron, gives skin its pigment and rosy glow. When a person becomes iron deficient, hemoglobin levels drop, and they appear pale. This symptom is easier to spot in patients who have lighter complexions, although it can be detected more easily by checking the redness of your lips, gums and the insides of your bottom eyelids. If these spots appear pale, you may be iron deficient.

Shortness of Breath

Because iron deficiency prevents the body from getting enough oxygen, patients with this condition often report feeling shortness of breath or a sense of breathlessness, especially when performing normal daily activities. If you find that you’re winded after climbing a flight of stairs or performing regular chores that you used to be just fine handling, you may be iron deficient.

Chest Pain or Rapid Heartbeat

Because the blood isn’t able to retain as much oxygen as it should, the heart has to beat faster and harder to keep up with the body’s needs, which can put stress on the organ. Patients with severe iron deficiency may develop heart problems that can range from irregular heartbeats to congestive heart failure. More severe complications are unusual and typically only occur with severe iron deficiency over a prolonged period. However, because iron deficiency can exacerbate existing heart problems, patients with existing heart conditions should have iron levels monitored regularly.