Cause 8: Family History – The Genetic Blueprint
When it comes to health conditions, our family’s medical history can sometimes give us valuable insights. In the case of Polycythemia Vera, having a family member with the condition may increase one’s risk, albeit not significantly.
While PV is not typically considered a hereditary disease, there’s evidence to suggest that certain genetic traits could make a person more susceptible to the disease. A mutation in the JAK2 gene is commonly found in people with PV. Although this mutation is usually acquired (happens after birth), it’s possible that a predisposition to this mutation could run in families.
However, having a family history of PV or the JAK2 mutation doesn’t guarantee that you will develop the disease. It merely means that the genetic odds might be slightly stacked against you. It’s just one of many factors that could contribute to the development of PV. (8)
