What is the meaning of the medical colloquialism "low blood"?

October 6, 2010 11:30 AM

What is the meaning of the medical colloquialism "low blood"?
posted by feathermeat to Health & Fitness (11 answers total)

As in "low blood sugar level"? Here's a chart summarizing some blood test levels.
posted by Rhomboid at 11:51 AM on October 6, 2010

Best answer: Could be low H&H, or low hemoglobin and hematocrit, something that commonly happens after surgery.
posted by jennyjenny at 11:59 AM on October 6, 2010

low blood count generally not low sugar
posted by Wilder at 11:59 AM on October 6, 2010

Hypovolemia
posted by blaneyphoto at 12:08 PM on October 6, 2010

Best answer: It means anemia.
posted by scblackman at 12:15 PM on October 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Without context it's meaningless.
posted by squeak at 12:23 PM on October 6, 2010

Response by poster: Unfortunately, there is no context to provide in this instance; however, I am pretty sure that the term has a very specific meaning when used by someone who is not medically educated (in the same way that "sugar pills" or "Old Timers' Disease" do).
posted by feathermeat at 12:34 PM on October 6, 2010

Best answer: nthing anemia
posted by kalanchoe at 1:06 PM on October 6, 2010

My mom always meant anemia when she said it.
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 3:06 PM on October 6, 2010

I think anemia is the most common meaning, but I've heard it used to mean low pressure and low sugar (hypoglycemia) as well. I've only heard it used by blacks.
posted by neuron at 4:47 PM on October 6, 2010

IAAD, but IANYD.

Whenever I've heard patients say it, they have meant low blood pressure or anemia. It doesn't mean anything however, unless the blood pressure was taken or a CBC/H&H done.
posted by onegoodthing at 8:13 AM on October 7, 2010