Erythrocytosis2025-05-20T13:54:18+01:00

Erythrocytosis

Erythrocytosis is a condition in which your body produces too many red blood cells (RBCs). This increases the thickness (viscosity) of your blood, making it harder to flow smoothly through your blood vessels and increasing the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes.

It is sometimes referred to as polycythaemia, especially when caused by bone marrow disorders.

Erythrocytosis Overview

Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Causes

Erythrocytosis can be primary (due to a problem in the bone marrow) or secondary (due to another condition or factor).

Primary Erythrocytosis
Polycythaemia vera (PV) is a A rare blood cancer caused by a mutation in the JAK2 gene, leading to uncontrolled RBC production.Secondary Erythrocytosis

  • Chronic low oxygen (hypoxia) due to lung disease (e.g. COPD), sleep apnoea or living at high altitudes

  • Tumours producing erythropoietin (EPO) from kidney, liver, or adrenal gland tumours

  • Kidney disease

  • Anabolic steroid use

  • Congenital heart disease

  • Smoking

  • Dehydration (relative erythrocytosis)

Symptoms

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Blurred vision
  • Red or flushed skin (especially face)
  • Itching (particularly after a hot shower – in PV)
  • Fatigue
  • High blood pressure
  • Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
  • Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)

If left, untreated may increase the risk of blood clots, stroke or a heart attack.

Risk Factors

Genetic erythrocytosis can run in families associated with the JAK2 gene mutation.

More common in men than women.

Conditions such as chronic lung disease and kidney disorders.

Can Erythrocytosis be prevented?

Primary erythrocytosis cannot be prevented however secondary erythrocytosis can be prevented.

Secondary Erythrocytosis can prevented by managing the underlying condition and maintaining  adequate hydration.

How Chequers can help Diagnose and Treat

Venesection

Patient having an iron infusion by a clinician

An effective treatment for Erythrocytosis.


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    Frequently Asked Questions

    A pelvic ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test used to assess organs and structures in the pelvic area. It is commonly used to examine the uterus, ovaries, bladder, and other surrounding tissues

    A pelvic scan can help investigate symptoms such as pelvic pain, irregular periods, bloating, or unusual bleeding. It can also support monitoring of known conditions like ovarian cysts or fibroids.

    No. While commonly used in women’s health, pelvic scans can also be performed on men to evaluate the bladder, prostate, or other pelvic concerns.

    Transabdominal scans are performed over the lower abdomen using external ultrasound.

    Transvaginal scans involve inserting a small probe into the vagina for clearer imaging of internal pelvic organs. This is optional and requires your consent.

    You may be asked to drink water before the scan to ensure a full bladder, which helps improve visibility. Specific instructions will be provided when booking.

    Most pelvic scans are painless. You may feel slight pressure during the procedure. Transvaginal scans may feel a little uncomfortable, but should not be painful.

    The scan typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the areas being assessed and the type of scan performed.

    While a pelvic scan can detect certain abnormalities, such as masses or cysts, it is not a cancer screening test. Any unusual findings will usually be referred for further specialist investigation.

    The scan images are reviewed by a reporting clinician or radiologist. The results are typically sent to the referring clinician, who will discuss them with you during a follow-up consultation.

    Ultrasound is considered very safe. It does not involve ionising radiation and is commonly used in pregnancy and routine diagnostic imaging.

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