Who is affected by polycythemia vera?
Polycythemia vera affects slightly more men than women. The disorder is estimated to affect approximately 44 to 57 per 100,000 people in the US. It occurs most often in individuals more than 60 years old, but can affect individuals of any age.
Does polycythemia vera affect the brain?
It can cause thrombotic diseases, especially cerebral infarction. A previous study revealed that in more than 15% of patients, PV is first manifested as cerebral infarction. Based on the characteristics of PV, it is often missed as routine cerebral infarction.
Where does polycythemia occur?
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a blood cancer that begins in the marrow of your bones, the soft center where new blood cells grow. It causes your marrow to make too many red blood cells so your blood is too thick. You may be more likely to have clots, a stroke, or a heart attack.
How does polycythemia affect circulation?
Polycythemia, abnormal increase in red blood cells (erythrocytes) and hemoglobin in the circulation, a situation that results in thickened blood, retarded flow, and an increased danger of clot formation within the circulatory system.
Can you live a normal life with polycythemia vera?
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare blood cancer. While no cure exists for PV, it can be controlled through treatment, and you can live with the disease for many years.
How does polycythemia vera affect the human body?
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. This can lead to strokes or tissue and organ damage.
How to prevent blood clots from polycythemia vera?
To prevent clots, your doctor will remove a small amount of blood with a treatment called phlebotomy. This is similar to giving blood during a blood drive. You may also get medicines like low-dose aspirin, hydroxyurea, or interferon alfa to thin your blood and stop your body from making too many blood cells.
How are blood tests used to diagnose polycythemia vera?
In many cases, the disorder may be detected from blood tests conducted during a routine examination. A complete blood count (CBC) may demonstrate elevated numbers of red blood cells and sometimes platelets and white blood cells. Blood tests may also measure hemoglobulin and hematocrit.
What happens when polycythemia vera turns into MDS?
If your polycythemia vera turns into myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), you now have one of a group of conditions where stem cells in the bone marrow don’t work right. They make abnormal blood cells that die earlier than usual. As a result, you may not have enough blood cells in your body. This can set the stage for anemia and other health problems.
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. This can lead to strokes or tissue and organ damage.
To prevent clots, your doctor will remove a small amount of blood with a treatment called phlebotomy. This is similar to giving blood during a blood drive. You may also get medicines like low-dose aspirin, hydroxyurea, or interferon alfa to thin your blood and stop your body from making too many blood cells.
In many cases, the disorder may be detected from blood tests conducted during a routine examination. A complete blood count (CBC) may demonstrate elevated numbers of red blood cells and sometimes platelets and white blood cells. Blood tests may also measure hemoglobulin and hematocrit.
If your polycythemia vera turns into myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), you now have one of a group of conditions where stem cells in the bone marrow don’t work right. They make abnormal blood cells that die earlier than usual. As a result, you may not have enough blood cells in your body. This can set the stage for anemia and other health problems.