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Anonymous

Thank you for your reply. As there is no cure for sickle cell anemia, there are many things you can do to help prevent long term complication from your disease. Here is a link to the Mayo Clinic about sickle cell anemia which also includes lifestyle changes that you should read that will help with what to avoid to help with managing your anemia. Click here to read more information http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sickle-cell-anemia/DS00324/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies.

You should always consult your physician before starting any exercise regime. Especially if you are experiencing high blood pressure. I found an article from the US Department of Health and Human Services which states that pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure) is common in sickle cell patients and should not be taken lightly. Specifically, the article indicates that people with sickle cell disease, the blood vessels that supply the lungs narrow and their walls thicken, so they can’t carry as much blood. Like a kinked garden hose, pressure builds up and backs up. The heart works harder, trying to force the blood through. If the pressure is high enough, eventually the heart can’t keep up, and is unable to pump enough blood through the lungs to pick up adequate amounts of oxygen. Patients become tired, dizzy and short of breath. When an underlying cause can’t be found, the condition is called primary pulmonary hypertension. When a pre-existing disease such as sickle cell triggers high blood pressure in the lungs, doctors call it secondary pulmonary hypertension because it is secondary to another problem.

Follow up with your physician is necessary for advice about weight loss and exercise due to your pre-existing sickle cell. With your physician's help, they will closely monitor your weight, your food intake and your blood pressure. Could you kindly keep us updated?

April 4, 2010 - 8:46am

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