Polycythemia

Definition

Polycythemia is a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the bloodstream, leading to thicker blood and potentially causing complications such as clotting or cardiovascular issues. It can result from various causes, including genetic factors, bone marrow diseases, or living at high altitudes where oxygen levels are lower.

Related terms

Erythrocytes:

Red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body and returning carbon dioxide back to the lungs for expulsion.

Hemoglobin:

A protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen and carbon dioxide, playing a critical role in transporting these gases in the bloodstream.

Viscosity:

The measure of a fluid's resistance to flow; increased viscosity in polycythemia means the blood is thicker and flows more slowly