Final answer:
Sickle cell anemia causes abnormally shaped red blood cells that get stuck in capillaries, blocking blood flow, and leading to several serious complications such as severe pain, tissue damage, blindness, and strokes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder that leads to the production of an abnormal type of hemoglobin, hemoglobin S, which causes red blood cells to assume a sickle or crescent shape. Due to their shape, these cells can become lodged in narrow capillaries, blocking blood flow to tissues and resulting in a variety of serious problems. People with sickle cell anemia are at risk for high fever, severe pain, swelling, tissue damage, painful joints, delayed growth, blindness, and cerebrovascular accidents (strokes).
The abnormal shape of the cells reduces their lifespan and their ability to deliver oxygen properly, leading to physical exertion, weakness, and shortness of breath. In addition, individuals with sickle cell anemia have an increased risk for complications like leukemia and heart murmurs. Due to its impact on the capillaries and the health issues it can lead to, sickle cell anemia requires careful medical management to mitigate these risks.