Myocardial infarction and anemia

Can severe anemia (24.5) due to sudden blood loss (severe epistaxis) cause a heart attack?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Most heart attacks occur as a result of  coronary artery disease or build up of plaque in the inner walls of the arteries which may lead to decreased supply of blood to the heart. Other causes include microvascular diseases or  severe spasm  of a coronary artery that also cuts off blood flow through the artery.  It’s not always clear what causes a coronary artery spasm, but sometimes it can be related to: taking certain drugs, such as cocaine, emotional stress or pain, exposure to extreme cold,  or cigarette smoking. Reference: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-attack/DS00094/DSECTION=causes

How much was the blood loss in the epistaxis? There is no direct relationship of sudden blood loss to a heart attack but the stress  could contribute to this. It would be best to have an evaluation done by your doctor. A complete family and medical history and physical examination is important.

Take care and regards.