Cause 6: Chronic Conditions – The Underlying Trigger
When it comes to Polycythemia Vera (PV), certain pre-existing health conditions can act as catalysts, spurring on the development of this blood disorder. Let’s delve into the world of chronic conditions and their role in triggering PV.
Chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, and liver disorders, can increase the risk of developing secondary polycythemia. This form of the disease is a reaction to low oxygen levels in the blood, typically caused by chronic health problems.
Heart and lung diseases are significant contributors here. These conditions can lower the amount of oxygen in the blood, prompting the body to produce more red blood cells. The aim is to boost the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. However, this compensatory mechanism can lead to an excess of red blood cells, giving rise to secondary polycythemia.
Chronic kidney disease is another common trigger. The kidneys play a vital role in regulating erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. When the kidneys aren’t working properly, they may overproduce erythropoietin, leading to an overabundance of red blood cells. (6)
