Polycythemia vera is a rare condition that affects the bone marrow, which is slow to progress and typically develops in later life. It is a condition characterized by the overproduction of red blood ... Polycythemia vera (pol-e-sy-THEE-me-uh VEER-uh) is a type of blood cancer.

Context Explanation

It causes the bone marrow to make too many red blood cells. These extra cells thicken the blood, slowing its flow. This may cause serious problems, such as blood clots. Polycythemia vera is rare.

Insight Material

It comes on slowly. You might have it for years without knowing. Often the condition is found during a blood test done for ... Blood tests If you have polycythemia vera, blood tests might show: More red blood cells than usual and, sometimes, an increase in platelets or white blood cells. A higher portion of red blood cells that make up total blood volume, called hematocrit measurement.

Final Conclusion

Higher level of the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, called hemoglobin. Living with polycythemia vera? Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Blood Cancers & Disorders support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Hi @ausableriver, Polycythemia Vera is a condition where the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells. There are two types of this condition…Primary PV, which is generally genetic. Secondary PV is the more common of the two and means that some other condition is causing your body to produce too many red blood cells.

Once diagnosed, most doctors don’t refer to it as primary or secondary ... However, if you have polycythemia vera, it is important that you understand that many serious complications can be exacerbated by certain foods. You need to consider dietary issues to make sure that you eat in a way that helps minimize your risk of polycythemia vera complications. Polycythemia vera Misuse of medical treatments to improve athletic performance Some treatments boost the making of red blood cells, including: Anabolic steroid treatment — lab-made forms of the hormone testosterone.