Symptoms of a low haemoglobin

You often cannot tell, which is why it is worth asking rather than assuming. The clues are breathlessness on effort, dizziness standing, a racing heart, looking pale, and tiredness that does not lift at all between cycles. A blood test settles it in minutes.

It is worth acting on, though appearances can mislead, especially on darker skin. Checking the inside of the lower eyelid, the palms and the nail beds is more reliable than the face. Either way, a family member noticing a change is a reasonable reason to ask for the reading.

Take them slowly and rest partway rather than avoiding them altogether, unless you have been told otherwise. Avoiding all effort weakens muscle and makes everything harder. But tell your team that stairs have become difficult — that is precisely the sentence that gets acted on.

Because blood pressure dips briefly on standing and there is less oxygen-carrying capacity to compensate. Sit up first, then stand, then pause before walking. Falls are the real risk here, particularly at night, so keep a light on and clear the route to the bathroom.

Yes. Poor concentration, forgetfulness, low mood and irritability are all recognised, because the brain is receiving less oxygen. It is worth mentioning alongside the physical symptoms, as it is often put down to stress when it has a measurable and treatable cause.

After a transfusion, most people notice a difference within a day. With other approaches it is slower, over weeks, because the marrow has to produce the cells. If nothing improves at all after treatment, say so — something else may be contributing.

Yes, and make sure your team knows. A heart that is already working hard copes less well with fewer red cells, so symptoms appear at a higher level and action may be taken sooner. Report chest pain, breathlessness or palpitations promptly rather than waiting for a review.

Yes, and say so clearly. A rapid change suggests bleeding rather than the gradual marrow effect of treatment, and that is a more urgent situation. Along with black tarry motions or visible blood, it warrants going in the same day rather than waiting for an appointment.