Below, you’ll find must-know information about polycythemia vera.
Polycythemia vera is a rare type of blood cancer in which a person’s blood cells multiply too rapidly. As a result, blood thickens and becomes more difficult to flow through blood vessels and organs.
Polycythemia can cause a variety of symptoms that can lead to complications.
Polycythemia usually starts with a single gene mutation. This mutation is often caused by some unknown factor but it is a serious disorder that requires immediate treatment.
The most important symptom of polycythemia is the increased risk of blood clotting. If the clots reach the heart, they may cause a heart attack or a stroke.
The clots may also end up in the lungs, causing pulmonary hypertension. If they travel to other parts of the body, they can block a vein or cause tissue death. Polycythemia can also cause spleen enlargement.
If left untreated, polycythemia can be deadly. The blood can be too thick, reducing the oxygen supply to vital organs. This can cause strokes or heart attacks. It’s best to seek immediate medical attention upon the onset of the condition.
Despite the severity of the condition, various treatments can help manage the symptoms.
Here are various critical polycythemia treatments and care that you should know about.
15. Low-Dose Aspirin
Low-dose aspirin can reduce the risk of thrombosis. Patients with polycythemia are prone to thrombosis, a condition in which blood clots form in a blood vessel. Blood clots are dangerous and can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
While there is no known cure for polycythemia, patients may be able to treat it with low-dose aspirin. The medication can prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of serious complications.
14. Avoid Places With Low Oxygen Levels
Being in places with low levels of oxygen can cause secondary polycythemia. If you don’t get enough oxygen for a long time, your body may make more of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO).
When your body has a lot of EPO, it can make more red blood cells than usual. This makes the blood thicker, as manifested in polycythemia. Hence, it’s best to avoid places with low oxygen levels.
13. Exercise And Diet
Exercise can help by improving your cardiovascular system, improving blood flow, and lowering the risk of blood clots caused by polycythemia. For example, walking can increase your energy levels and strength. You can also practice leg stretching to improve blood flow in the legs.
It is also important to follow a balanced diet to combat the effects of polycythemia. Avoid fatty and high-fat foods, which increase the risk of blood clots.
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