polycythemia Flashcards
polycythemia
high concentration of RBC in blood
relative polycythemia
an isolated decrease in plasma volume, which elevated hgb, hct, and RBC count
causes of relative polycythemia
severe dehydration
“smokers polycythemia”
“smokers polycythemia”
increase RBC concentration
decrease plasma volume
*happens with chronic tobacco use - if someone stops, levels will return
manifestations of relative polycythemia
dependent upon underlying cause
primary polycythemia
aka polycythemia vera
increased RBC –> thick blood –>
*blood flow slows down –> decreased O2 supply to organs –> heart failure or angina
*blood clots easily –> blockage of blood flow through arteries/veins –> heart attack or stroke
polycythemia vera: pathogenesis
a single stem cell mutates into a cell that overproduces all blood cells
polycythemia vera: clinical manifestations
complaints (headache, fatigue, weight loss, dyspnea)
HTN
clotting probs
ruddy color (red)
secondary polycythemia
provides more oxygen carriers by increasing RBC production (compensatory mechanism)
what pt’s present with secondary polycythemia?
COPD - operating on lower O2 levels for a longer period of time
cause of secondary polycythemia
adaptive/compensatory response to tissue hypoxia
risk factors for polycythemia
chronic hypoxia
high altitudes (“chronic mtn disease”)
long-term cig smoking
familial and genetic predisposition
long-term exposure to CO (working in tunnels, high levels of pollution, garage attendants)
secondary polycythemia: patho
hypoxemia (low level of O2 in blood) –> stimulation of erythropoietin –> increased RBC production
what effect does an increase in blood viscosity and increase in blood volume have on the patient?
HTN: headache, inability to concentration, ruddy face/dusky red, possible cyanosis of lips, nails, mucous membranes
complications of decreased blood flow: DVT, hemorrhage, angina, cerebral insufficiency, TIAs
what effect does hypermetabolism have on the pt?
night sweats and weight loss
