What is polycythemia vera?

Polycythemia vera is a rare blood disorder in which there is an increase in all blood cells, particularly red blood cells. The increase in blood cells makes your blood thicker. This can lead to strokes or tissue and organ damage.

What causes polycythemia vera?

Polycythemia vera is caused by a genetic change (mutation) that develops during your lifetime. It is not an inherited genetic disorder. In most cases it is not known why this happens.

What are the symptoms of polycythemia vera?

When you have more blood and it is thicker than normal, problems can occur. Each person’s symptoms may vary. Symptoms may include:

Lack of energy (fatigue) or weakness

Headache

Dizziness

Shortness of breath and trouble breathing while lying down

Vision problems, such as double vision, blurred vision, and blind spots

Inability to concentrate

Night sweats

Face and becomes red and warm (flushed)

Nosebleeds

Bleeding gums

Too much menstrual bleeding

Coughing up blood

Bruising

Itchy skin (often after a hot bath)

Gout

Numbness

High blood pressure

These symptoms may look like other blood disorders or health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is polycythemia vera diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will take your medical history and give you a physical exam. Your provider may also do blood tests. These tests will check the increased number of red blood cells in your body. They will also check if there are other conditions that could cause your higher red blood cell count.

How is polycythemia vera treated?

Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment based on:

Your age, overall health, and medical history

How sick you are

How well you handle certain medicines, treatments, or therapies

If your condition is expected to get worse

What you would like to do

Treatment may include:

Phlebotomy. This procedure removes blood from your body. At first this must be done often, such as every week. Once enough blood has been removed to reduce your body's iron stores (needed to make blood quickly), you will not need this done as often.

This procedure removes blood from your body. At first this must be done often, such as every week. Once enough blood has been removed to reduce your body's iron stores (needed to make blood quickly), you will not need this done as often. Certain medicines, including chemotherapy. The medicines help to stop your bone marrow from making too many blood cells. They also keep your blood flow and blood thickness closer to normal.

What are the complications of polycythemia vera?

Polycythemia vera can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated. It can cause blood clots resulting in a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. Liver and spleen enlargement are other possible complications.

Living with polycythemia vera

There is no cure for polycythemia vera, but proper treatment can help to reduce or delay any problems. Work with your healthcare provider to create a treatment plan that fits your needs. You should also be physically active in order to increase your heart rate and improve your blood flow.

Other ways to improve your blood flow include:

Stretching your legs and ankles

Wearing warm gloves and socks during cold weather

Avoiding extreme heat

Drinking plenty of water

You should also avoid situations in which you could be hurt, and check your feet for any sores.

Key points about polycythemia vera

Polycythemia vera is a rare blood disorder in which there is an increase in all blood cells, particularly red blood cells.

The increase in blood cells makes the blood thicker.

Thick blood can lead to strokes or tissue and organ damage.

Symptoms include lack of energy (fatigue) or weakness, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, visual disturbances, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual periods, and bruising.

Treatment may include medicines and phlebotomy, a procedure that removes extra blood from your body.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: