Polycythemia
What is Polycythemia?
Polycythemia is a blood condition where your body produces too many red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to every part of your body. When you have too many, your blood becomes thicker and moves more slowly through your veins and arteries.
This thick blood can cause serious problems. It increases your risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. Some people are born with polycythemia, while others develop it later in life. The condition can happen on its own or as a response to other health issues like low oxygen levels or certain tumors.
Early detection through regular blood testing is key to managing polycythemia. Most people with this condition can live normal lives when they catch it early and work with their healthcare team on treatment.
Symptoms
- Headaches and dizziness
- Blurred or double vision
- Reddish or purplish skin color, especially on the face
- Itching after a warm bath or shower
- Fatigue and weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive sweating, especially at night
- Enlarged spleen causing fullness in the upper left abdomen
- Tingling or burning in hands and feet
- Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
Many people have no symptoms in the early stages. The condition is often discovered during routine blood work before any symptoms appear.
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Causes and risk factors
Polycythemia has two main types with different causes. Primary polycythemia, also called polycythemia vera, happens when bone marrow makes too many blood cells due to a genetic mutation. This type is not inherited and usually develops in adults over age 60. Secondary polycythemia occurs when your body makes extra red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels, lung disease, heart disease, sleep apnea, or living at high altitude.
Risk factors include smoking, which lowers oxygen in your blood. High testosterone levels can trigger red blood cell production. Certain kidney problems or tumors can release hormones that stimulate red blood cell growth. Chronic exposure to carbon monoxide also increases risk. Men develop polycythemia more often than women, and the condition becomes more common with age.
How it's diagnosed
Polycythemia is diagnosed through blood tests that measure your red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Hematocrit measures the percentage of your blood made up of red blood cells. High levels of these markers can indicate polycythemia. Your doctor may also check your sedimentation rate, which measures inflammation and can be lower in people with polycythemia due to thicker blood.
Rite Aid offers testing for key markers that can detect polycythemia, including hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, and sedimentation rate. Our flagship panel includes over 200 biomarkers to give you a clear view of your blood health. If your initial results suggest polycythemia, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the type and underlying cause. These might include genetic testing, bone marrow biopsy, or tests for oxygen levels in your blood.
Treatment options
- Phlebotomy, which means removing blood regularly to reduce red blood cell count, similar to donating blood
- Medications to reduce blood cell production or prevent blood clots
- Low-dose aspirin to lower the risk of clots and heart problems
- Staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
- Avoiding smoking and high altitudes when possible
- Managing any underlying conditions like sleep apnea or lung disease
- Regular exercise to improve circulation and heart health
- Eating a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and whole grains
- Regular monitoring through blood tests to track your levels
Concerned about Polycythemia? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Primary polycythemia, or polycythemia vera, is caused by a genetic mutation in bone marrow that makes too many blood cells. Secondary polycythemia happens when your body makes extra red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels from conditions like lung disease, heart problems, or living at high altitude. Knowing which type you have helps your doctor choose the right treatment.
Primary polycythemia cannot be cured, but it can be managed effectively with treatment. Most people with this condition live normal lifespans when they receive proper care. Secondary polycythemia may resolve if the underlying cause, like sleep apnea or smoking, is treated. Regular monitoring and treatment help prevent serious complications like blood clots.
Most people with polycythemia need blood tests every few months to monitor their levels. Your doctor will track your red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit to make sure treatment is working. The frequency depends on how stable your condition is and what treatments you are receiving. Regular testing helps prevent complications and adjust treatment as needed.
For men, normal hemoglobin is 13.5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter and hematocrit is 38 to 50 percent. For women, normal hemoglobin is 12 to 15.5 grams per deciliter and hematocrit is 36 to 44 percent. Levels higher than these ranges may indicate polycythemia. Your doctor will consider your individual health history when interpreting your results.
Yes, untreated polycythemia can lead to serious complications. Thick blood increases your risk of blood clots, which can cause stroke, heart attack, or deep vein thrombosis. It can also lead to bleeding problems, enlarged spleen, and gout. Early detection and treatment greatly reduce these risks and help you maintain good health.
Lifestyle changes play an important supporting role in managing polycythemia. Staying well hydrated helps thin your blood. Quitting smoking improves oxygen levels. Regular exercise supports healthy circulation. Eating a nutrient-rich diet helps overall health. However, lifestyle changes alone are not enough to treat polycythemia, and you will still need medical treatment and monitoring.
Testosterone stimulates the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that tells your bone marrow to make more red blood cells. Higher testosterone levels, whether natural or from testosterone replacement therapy, can lead to too many red blood cells. Men on testosterone therapy should have their blood counts monitored regularly. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose if polycythemia develops.
Phlebotomy is a procedure where blood is removed from your body, similar to donating blood. A needle is inserted into a vein, usually in your arm, and blood flows into a collection bag. Most people feel only a small pinch when the needle goes in. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and helps reduce your red blood cell count quickly and effectively.
Yes, itching is a common symptom of polycythemia, especially after bathing in warm water. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it may be related to the release of histamine and other chemicals from blood cells. This itching can be intense and frustrating. Antihistamines, medications that reduce itching, and keeping water temperature cooler may help manage this symptom.
If you have primary polycythemia, you will likely need ongoing treatment and monitoring for life. The condition does not go away on its own. If you have secondary polycythemia, treatment depends on addressing the underlying cause. For example, treating sleep apnea or quitting smoking may resolve the condition. Your healthcare team will work with you to create a long-term management plan.