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An anemia is a pathological deficiency in hemoglobin or red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the molecule used by the blood to bind and transport oxygen. When there is a decreased amount of this molecule or in the red blood cell count, the blood has a concomitantly diminished ability to transport oxygen. This generally results in hypoxemia (decreased blood oxygen content) and hypoxia (decreased blood delivery to the tissues). Sickle cell anemia is one of the most congenital disorders affecting the African and African-American populations. Symptoms are more evident when the person physically exerts himself or herself. Ischemia from inadequate circulation or hypoventilation from decreased respiration are not classified as anemias.
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