As a medical professional with expertise in hematology, I can explain the relationship between anemia and oxygen levels in the body. Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) or a lack of hemoglobin, which is the protein in these cells that binds to oxygen. When anemia is present, the blood's capacity to carry oxygen is reduced. This is because hemoglobin is the key component that allows RBCs to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Mild anemia may not significantly affect oxygen levels, but severe anemia can indeed lead to low oxygen levels in the body. The symptoms you've mentioned, such as shortness of breath, are indicative of the body's struggle to maintain adequate oxygen supply. When the body is unable to get enough oxygen, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including those related to the cardiovascular system, like chest pains and an increased risk of heart attack, as the heart has to work harder to compensate for the lack of oxygen. read more >>

If anemia is severe, fainting may occur. Other symptoms include brittle nails, shortness of breath, and chest pains. Blood oxygen levels can be so low that a person with severe anemia can have a heart attack.read more >>