Primary Polycythemia is a chronic illness of the blood. It is a myeloproliferative disease characterized by excess red blood cells. These excess red blood cells cause increased blood thickness and clotting problems.MedlinePlus: Polycythemia Vera
Treatment
Although there is currently no cure for Primary Polycythemia, there are treatments to help manage the disease. These include phlebotomy to decrease blood volume, low dose aspirin to thin the blood and chemotherapy to reduce the number of red blood cells produced by the bone marrow.BloodIndex: Polycythemia
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Primary Polycythemia, please consult your doctor.
References
Fast Facts
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AKA
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Cause
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Fact:
Rarely seen in patients under 40MedlinePlus: Polycythemia Vera
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Fact:
Men twice as likely to suffer from Primary Polycythemia as womenUPMC: Primary Polycythemia
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Total blood volume can be twice normal volumeBloodIndex: Polycythemia
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Blood viscosity can be five times normalBloodIndex: Polycythemia
