What is Sickle Cell anaemia and what are the risks of having it?

Sickle cell anaemia is a genetically inherited condition which results in a change of the shape of the red blood cells. This can result in some complications. The altered shape of the red blood cells increases the risk of the cells sticking together and then as a result cause a blockage of a capillary. When a capillary is blocked, the blood flow through that capillary is reduced and so less oxygen is being delivered. Some of the serious complications that can result are a stroke or a heart attack, if the blockage happens in the brain or heart, however it can occur anywhere in the body.