Know How Our iCliniq Doctor Helped a Patient With a Blood Disorder

A 21-year-old female patient consulted our iCliniq doctor regarding the bounding pulsations she felt in her body parts. She mentioned that she had undergone a complete blood test, which showed increased RBC (red blood cell) counts and a low vitamin D level. Further, she gave a history of taking vitamin D supplements and said that the bounding pulsations in different body parts started after that. She explained that the pulses were intense that they vibrated her skin over and also mentioned that a particular area near her ankle frequently turned warm. Further, she expressed concerns about taking vitamin D supplements and enquired if she needed to switch to natural sources. She also queried whether the abnormal pulses and heat sensations were due to blood clots.

Our iCliniq doctor carefully assessed the reports shared and guided the patient that she could continue her vitamin D supplements. However, he asked her to try different formulations or routes if the symptoms persisted. Further, our doctor explained that the peripheral pulses she was experiencing were not due to a blood clot and advised the patient to get an ECG (electrocardiogram) to rule out the cause of palpitations, as heart rhythm abnormalities were to cause clot formation inside the heart. Our doctor further explained to the patient that her reports showed a lower MCV (mean corpuscular volume), which indicated a low Mentzer index of 10. He then briefed how the Mentzer index was used to differentiate between iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia and that since her value was below 13, she possibly had thalassemia. Our doctor then advised the patient to get hemoglobin electrophoresis to confirm her condition.

The patient reverted and mentioned that she had undergone an ECG and 2D echo 20 days before taking the supplements and that her reports were normal. She also said that she went through a panic attack the previous week and was concerned if it was due to a heart-related issue and enquired if she needed to repeat the ECG. She then added a history of getting a deep chemical peeling on her upper back three months prior and was confused if it would have affected her heart. She also said that nobody in her family had experienced palpitations like hers or had been diagnosed with thalassemia and enquired about the severity of the condition. She then attached her mother’s blood reports and mentioned that her father’s reports were normal too.

Our iCliniq doctor replied to the patient that the bounding pulse might occur due to several reasons, including anemia, rapid heartbeat, valvular heart disease, thyrotoxicosis, pregnancy, certain vitamin deficiencies, fever, and anxiety. He also suggested the patient undergo an ECG while experiencing a palpitation as there were possibilities of it being a subjective feeling. He further clarified to the patient that chemical peeling would only affect the skin, not the heart. Our doctor informed the patient that her mother’s blood reports also showed a Mentzer index below 13 and indicated thalassemia.

The patient then reverted and asked whether the condition was thalassemia minor since only a single parent had the condition. She also mentioned she and her mother did not experience any symptoms of fatigue. She further enquired about the condition's risks and whether she should have any dietary restrictions. She also expressed concerns about the hot flashes she experienced in her body and if her thalassemia would affect her future generation.

Our doctor advised that she must undergo hemoglobin electrophoresis for him to diagnose the condition. He also provided clarity that a thalassemia patient could live a normal life with occasional blood transfusions. Our doctor further recommended that if she had thalassemia minor, her spouse should be checked for the condition because if both partners had thalassemia minor, the probability of the child having thalassemia major was more. Our doctor then informed her that hot flashes could be due to anxiety.

The patient thanked our iCliniq doctor for clearing all her queries and explaining everything in detail.