A disease state in which the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells increases.
Polycythemia vera (pol-e-sigh-THEE-me-uh VEER-uh) is a slow-growing type of blood cancer in which your bone marrow makes too many red blood cells. Polycythemia vera may also result in production of too many of the other types of blood cells — white blood cells and platelets. These excess cells thicken your blood and cause complications, such as such as a risk of blood clots or bleeding. Polycythemia vera isn't common 1 Primary polycythemia: In primary polycythemia the increase in red blood cells is due to inherent problems in the process of red blood cell production. 2  Secondary polycythemia: Secondary polycythemia generally occurs as a response to other factors or underlying conditions that promote red blood cell production. 1 Polycythemia can be linked to secondary causes, such as, chronic hypoxia or tumors releasing erythropoietin. 2  Polycythemia vera is due to abnormally increased red cell production in the bone marrow. 3  Treatment of secondary polycythemia is dependent on the underlying condition. Polycythemia vera (PV) is a bone marrow disorder in which the body produces an excessive amount of red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to all parts of the body. Blood is carried throughout the body by a system of veins and arteries.  The emergency treatment of polycythemia (e.g., in hyperviscosity or thrombosis) is by venesection, the removal of blood from the circulation. Depending on the underlying cause, venesection may also be used on a regular basis to reduce the red blood cell count. Absolute polycythemia [edit]. The overproduction of red blood cells may be due to a primary process in the bone marrow (a so-called myeloproliferative syndrome), or it may be a reaction to chronically low oxygen levels or, rarely, a malignancy. Polycythemia (also known as polycythaemia or polyglobulia) is a disease state in which the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells increases. Blood volume proportions can be measured as hematocrit. Absolute polycythemia [edit]. The overproduction of red blood cells may be due to a primary process in the bone marrow (a so-called myeloproliferative syndrome), or it may be a reaction to chronically low oxygen levels or, rarely, a malignancy. Polycythemia Overview. Polycythemia is an increased number of red blood cells in the blood. In polycythemia, the levels of hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (Hct), or the red blood cell (RBC) count may be elevated when measured in the complete blood count (CBC), as compared to normal.  A. Polycythemia is a condition that results in an increased level of circulating red blood cells in the bloodstream. People with polycythemia have an increase in hematocrit, hemoglobin, or red blood cell count above the normal limits. Polycythemia is normally reported in terms of increased hematocrit or hemoglobin. 1 Primary polycythemia: In primary polycythemia the increase in red blood cells is due to inherent problems in the process of red blood cell production. 2  Secondary polycythemia: Secondary polycythemia generally occurs as a response to other factors or underlying conditions that promote Polycythemia is a condition that results in an increased level of circulating red blood cells in the bloodstream. People with polycythemia have an increase in hematocrit, hemoglobin, or red blood cell count above the normal limits. 1 Polycythemia can be linked to secondary causes, such as, chronic hypoxia or tumors releasing erythropoietin. 2  Polycythemia vera is due to abnormally increased red cell production in the bone marrow. 3  Treatment of secondary polycythemia is dependent on the underlying condition. Polycythemia is a blood condition in which the bone marrow makes excess blood cells, primarily red blood cells, but also platelets and white blood cells. While polycythemia is rare, generally treatable, and usually mild, serious complications such as heart attack or stroke can occur if left untreated. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for any sudden symptoms of heart attack or stroke, such as sudden numbness, weakness, confusion, vision problems, or chest pain.
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what is polycythemia