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Polycythemia vera is a rare blood disorder in which there is an increase in all blood cells, particularly red blood cells. The increase in blood cells makes your blood thicker and can cause problems with blood flow (circulation). This can lead to strokes or tissue and organ damage.
Polycythemia vera is caused by a genetic change (mutation) that develops during your lifetime. It is not an inherited genetic disorder. In most cases it is not known why this happens.
When you have more blood and it is thicker than normal, problems can occur. Each person’s symptoms may vary. Symptoms may include:
Lack of energy (fatigue) or weakness
Headache
Dizziness
Shortness of breath and trouble breathing while lying down
Vision problems, such as double vision, blurred vision, and blind spots
Inability to concentrate
Night sweats
Face becomes red and warm (flushed)
Nosebleeds
Bleeding gums
Too much menstrual bleeding
Coughing up blood
Bruising
Itchy skin (often after a hot bath)
Gout
Numbness
High blood pressure
These symptoms may look like other blood disorders or health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Your healthcare provider will take your health history and give you a physical exam. Your provider may also do blood tests. These tests will check the increased number of red blood cells in your body. They will also check if there are other conditions that could cause your higher red blood cell count.
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.
Treatment may include:
Phlebotomy. This procedure removes blood from your body. At first this must be done often, such as every week. Once enough blood has been removed to reduce your body's iron stores (needed to make blood quickly), you will not need this done as often.
Certain medicines, including chemotherapy. The medicines help to stop your bone marrow from making too many blood cells. They also keep your blood flow and blood thickness closer to normal.
Polycythemia vera can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated. It can cause blood clots resulting in a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. Liver and spleen enlargement are other possible complications. In some cases, in can transform into a condition resulting in bone marrow scarring (fibrosis) or leukemia.
There is no cure for polycythemia vera. But correct treatment can help to reduce or delay any problems. Work with your healthcare provider to create a treatment plan that fits your needs. You should also be physically active in order to increase your heart rate and improve your blood flow.
Other ways to improve your blood flow include:
Stretching your legs and ankles
Staying away from extreme heat
Drinking plenty of water
This condition can cause circulation problems. So take care of your hands and feet. Protect them from injuries from cold and heat. For example, wear warm gloves and socks during cold weather.
Polycythemia vera is a rare blood disorder in which there is an increase in all blood cells, particularly red blood cells.
The increase in blood cells makes the blood thicker.
Thick blood can lead to strokes or tissue and organ damage.
Symptoms include lack of energy (fatigue) or weakness, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, visual disturbances, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual periods, and bruising.
Treatment may include medicines and phlebotomy, a procedure that removes extra blood from your body.
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.