Loading
Find a hospital Careers
My Health Record
QR Code

Blood and blood vessels
Ngā toto

Anaemia

Anaemia is when you do not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry the oxygen you need around your body. If you have anaemia, you may feel tired, light-headed and weak.

Aneurysms

An aneurysm is a bulge in your artery due to a weakness in the artery wall. Sometimes an aneurysm can burst (rupture). This is a medical emergency.

Aortic dissection

Aortic dissection is a rare condition where the wall of your aorta (the main artery carrying blood out of your heart) tears. An aortic dissection is a medical emergency.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a build up of plaque on the inner lining of artery walls. This causes the artery to narrow and can lead to a range of serious complications.

Blood clotting disorders

Some people have blood that clots more easily than usual. This is called thrombophilia.

Compression stockings

Compression stockings support your legs and apply pressure to increase the flow of blood in your veins back up to your heart.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a vein. It most commonly happens in the calf or thigh.

Folic acid deficiency anaemia

Your body needs folic acid (also known as folate). Folic acid deficiency anaemia is a condition where low folate levels reduce red blood cell production. This leads to tiredness and weakness.

Giant cell arteritis

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), or temporal arteritis, is an uncommon but serious condition. It causes inflammation in the arteries of your head and neck. This may affect the blood supply and cause possible permanent damage to your vision.

Haemophilia

When most people cut themselves, clotting factors in the blood combine with blood cells (platelets) to make their blood sticky. This makes the bleeding stop. If you have haemophilia, you are missing a clotting factor and you may bleed for longer than usual.

High platelets (essential thrombocythaemia)

Essential thrombocythaemia is a rare condition that causes high levels of platelets. Platelets are a part of your blood that helps with clotting (stopping bleeding).

High red blood cells (primary polycythaemia vera)

Primary polycythaemia vera is a rare disease caused by your bone marrow making too many red blood cells. It can be diagnosed at any age, but the average age for diagnosis is 60. It is more common in men than in women.

Iron overload

Iron is a mineral your body needs to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your body. It is also has other important roles for your muscles, hair, skin, nails and brain function. Iron overload is when too much iron builds up in your body.

Low iron and iron deficiency anaemia

Iron is a mineral your body needs to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your body.

Low sodium (hyponatraemia)

Sodium is an important — it helps keep the right amount of water in your body. It is also needed for nerve and muscle function. Low sodium (hyponatraemia) is when the sodium concentration in your blood is below normal.

MGUS

MGUS stands for monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance. It is a benign (non-cancerous) condition where the body makes an abnormal protein, called a paraprotein. This protein is found in your blood or wee (urine).

Peripheral vascular disease

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is when your arteries have narrowed and reduced the blood flow to your arms and legs.

Pulmonary embolism (PE)

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the arteries (blood vessels) in your lungs. It is a serious medical emergency.

Raynaud syndrome

Raynaud syndrome is when there is a temporary reduction in blood supply to your fingers or toes. It mostly happens when you get cold.

Spleen function and spleen problems

The spleen is an organ that helps you develop immunity against infections. Some people have a spleen that may not work well, or they have no spleen.

Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis, or just phlebitis, is where a vein becomes inflamed due to a blood clot. It is usually easily treated.

Vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anaemia

Being low in vitamin B12 can cause serious problems. Vitamin B12 is needed to make red blood cells that carry oxygen around your body. It also helps your nerves and brain.

Venous insufficiency

Venous insufficiency happens when the walls and valves in your leg veins are weak or damaged and do not work as they should.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that usually happen in your legs near the surface of your skin.

Von Willebrand disease

Von Willebrand disease is a condition that affects your blood's ability to clot. It means you have low or poor quality von Willebrand factor in your blood. This is needed to stick platelets together to help stop bleeding.
Get QR code
Print
Back to top