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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Can High Cholesterol Levels Cause Anemia?

my dad had a perforated bowel and has had problems ever since. Last time he was in the hospital his hemoglobin dropped to 7. He also has a history of high cholesteral for which he takes medication. My question is chould the high cholesteral cause anemia. He was in the hospital recently because of a partial bowel obstruction do to perforated bowel.. He has been transfused with iron and seems to be doing well so far.
posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Twitter Mon, 28 Dec 2015 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 28 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on
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Dietitian & Nutritionist,  's  Response
Welcome to HCM! I understand your concern and you are searching for answers. I will try to guide you to a better understanding of your father's condition. The perforated bowel has caused many problems, internal bleeding is more than likely a major cause of his Hemoglobin dropping.

Also, with a partial bowel obstruction, something else is going on with your dad possibly involving absorption issues. He was not absorbing what iron he ate is what I am thinking. The iron infusion at this point in time is likely the best answer for his iron repletion.

His high cholesterol has nothing to do with his anemia. I even looked up statins to see if it could be a side-effect and it isn't. I assumed he was on a statin.

In summary, let his bowel heal. Things will improve. Avoid constipation in the future by gradually putting back fiber in the diet, particularly soluble fiber such as oats. But first things first, let the bowel heal.

Assure that he gets all of his nutrients regardless of the type of diet he is on during the healing process. He will also require a bit more lean protein and vitamin C for the protein and wound repair.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN
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Can High Cholesterol Levels Cause Anemia?

Welcome to HCM! I understand your concern and you are searching for answers. I will try to guide you to a better understanding of your father s condition. The perforated bowel has caused many problems, internal bleeding is more than likely a major cause of his Hemoglobin dropping. Also, with a partial bowel obstruction, something else is going on with your dad possibly involving absorption issues. He was not absorbing what iron he ate is what I am thinking. The iron infusion at this point in time is likely the best answer for his iron repletion. His high cholesterol has nothing to do with his anemia. I even looked up statins to see if it could be a side-effect and it isn t. I assumed he was on a statin. In summary, let his bowel heal. Things will improve. Avoid constipation in the future by gradually putting back fiber in the diet, particularly soluble fiber such as oats. But first things first, let the bowel heal. Assure that he gets all of his nutrients regardless of the type of diet he is on during the healing process. He will also require a bit more lean protein and vitamin C for the protein and wound repair. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN