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Essential thrombocythemia is a rare disease where the body produces too many platelets, leading to abnormal blood clotting and an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. It can be detected through blood tests and treated with medication and lifestyle changes. Women with the condition may have difficult pregnancies.
Essential thrombocythemia is a rare disease characterized by a person’s body producing an overabundance of platelets in the bone marrow. A person of any age or race can get the disease, but it is most prevalent in adults and women over the age of 50. Sometimes referred to as primary thrombocythemia, essential thrombocythemia can lead to leukemia and can be life-threatening if left undiagnosed. With proper medical care, a person with primary thrombocythemia can lead a normal life.
A person with the condition has abnormal stem cells in their bone marrow, which is where blood cells are made. Stem cells create more blood cells than the body needs. This leads to the marrow becoming unable to keep blood elements under adequate control.
An important symptom of essential thrombocythemia is abnormal blood clotting, which most commonly occurs in the hands and feet. If a clot develops in the brain, a person can experience a stroke. A person with the disorder is also at risk of a heart attack if a blood clot forms in the heart. Smoking and drinking alcohol increases the chances of getting the disease. Also, people who have diabetes or high blood pressure are at risk of developing essential thrombocythemia.
A person with essential thrombocythemia may also experience other symptoms including red or itchy skin, foot and hand discomfort, and headaches. Additional symptoms may include dizziness, fainting, and vision problems. Less common symptoms may include nosebleeds, bruising, and blood in the stool. In some cases, a person with primary thrombocythemia may not show any symptoms.
Women who have the condition can have difficult pregnancies. Before giving birth, a female can develop high blood pressure, which leads to preeclampsia. In addition, the disorder can cause the fetus to develop slowly and even lead to premature birth. Also, a miscarriage is possible.
The condition can be detected by examining a patient’s blood. This test may include a complete blood count, which reveals the number of platelets in a person’s blood, and looking at the blood under a microscope to look for any abnormalities. Another way to test for the disorder is to check for irregularities in the bone marrow cells.
Treatment for essential thrombocythemia can vary depending on the patient’s age and the severity of platelet overproduction. In severe cases, especially those involving blood clotting, an emergency procedure may be done to clear platelets from the blood. In less severe cases, using aspirin can help prevent blood clots from forming. Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating lots of fruits and vegetables and getting daily exercise, can also help keep the condition under control.
