Introduction to Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the red blood cells, causing them to become misshapen and rigid. This condition is inherited when a person receives two copies of the sickle cell gene, one from each parent. The abnormal shape of the red blood cells can lead to a variety of health complications, as they are not able to flow easily through the blood vessels. Sickle cell anemia is most commonly found in people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent, although it can affect individuals from any ethnic background.