is polycitaemia serious?

Answer 1

There are 3 distinct types of polycythemia:

1) Primary: The primary form is relatively rare and the cause is unknown; but it tends to occur in men between the ages of 40 and 60 and is more common in whites, particularly Jews of European ancestry.

2) Secondary: The seconday type is the more commonly seen form of the disorder. It is an essentially physiologic response to hypoxia. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find an increased red cell count in individuals living at high altitudes (over 10,000 feet), in smokers, and in individuals with congestive heart failure or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

3) Familial: This form is extremely rare and not all within the family are affected.

Prognosis depends on age at diagnosis, treatment used, and complications. Mortality is high if it is untreated or is associated with leukemia or myeloid metaplasia. Without proper intervention, half of all individuals with polycythemia vera die within eighteen months of the onset of initial symptoms. The major cause of death results from thrombosis or hemorrhage. Although polycythemia vera is a chronic disorder, appropriate therapy results in remissions and prevention of early death.

Answer 2

Polycythemia is an abnormally elevated number of red blood cells in the body. It can be caused by a number of things. How dangerous it is depends on the cause of the polycythemia and the degree of polycythemia (how elevated is the red blood cell count). Markedly elevated counts can be quite dangerous as the blood sludges in the vessels leading to high risk of stroke, heart attack, etc. In cases like this, the physician may actually opt to reduce the red blood cell count by draining some blood from the patient and replacing it with a saline solution (in effect, diluting the patient's blood!).

Answer 3

I think that's the most time anyone has said or typed some form of the word serious in a paragraph. I seriously think you deserve an award.

Answer 4

it is a disease in which there is a increase in number of red blood cells [ rbcs] in blood.... this increase in no. of rbcs causes obstruction of small sized blood vessels called capillaries in essential organs like brain, kedney n heart therefore the function of these organs is compromised. thus it is serious condition.... but dont worry it is treatable condition... consult some physician to help you out... best of luck

Answer 5

It is a serious illness that can cause death. However, with new treatments, people who have the disease are living longer.

Hold your psyhco up.

Answer 6

I think it is a treatable disease but it is serious condition. (polycythemia vera)