What Is Anemia in Kidney Disease?

Anemia is a common and serious complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in patients receiving dialysis. As kidney function declines, the kidneys produce less erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone essential for red blood cell production. This leads to low hemoglobin levels, reduced oxygen delivery, and symptoms such as extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and heart strain. Dialysis can worsen anemia through ongoing blood loss, iron deficiency, inflammation, and shortened red blood cell lifespan. Effective treatment includes regular monitoring, intravenous iron therapy, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), and careful management to maintain safe hemoglobin levels. When properly treated, anemia care improves energy, protects the heart, and significantly enhances quality of life for people living with kidney disease.