What is polycythemia?
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Polycythemia is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition in which the body produces an excessive number of blood cells, most notably, red blood cells. The large number of blood cells causes the blood to become thick and increases the risk of blood clots. The disorder develops slowly and is most commonly diagnosed around the age of 60 years. If left untreated, it can lead to death.
Polycythemia is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition in which the body produces an excessive number of blood cells, most notably, red blood cells. The large number of blood cells causes the blood to become thick and increases the risk... More -
Healthwise answered:Polycythemia is an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells produced by the bone marrow. The extra numbers of red blood cells cause blood to thicken and may increase the risk of blood clots that may cause heart attacks or strokes.
Treatment for polycythemia (also called erythrocythemia) sometimes involves removing red blood cells (much like donating blood) from the blood. But this procedure may decrease iron levels in the body.
Polycythemia is an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells produced by the bone marrow. The extra numbers of red blood cells cause blood to thicken and may increase the risk of blood clots that may cause heart attacks or strokes.... More
