Sickle cell trait and health concerns in Army soldiers

Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. People with sickle cell anemia have inherited 2 abnormal hemoglobin genes that can cause their red blood cells to become rigid and sickle shaped. When these stiff and sticky cells clump together, they can impede blood flow in small blood vessels and lead to severe pain.

Read more on nichq.org by by Carol Torgan, Ph.D.:

Sickle cell trait and health concerns in Army soldiers