Too many red blood cells can thicken your blood, increasing the risk of serious health problems.
When your body produces an excess of red blood cells, a condition known as polycythemia, your blood becomes thicker and more viscous. This increased thickness can lead to a variety of complications:
- Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Thickened blood flows more slowly, making it easier for blood clots to form. These clots can block blood vessels, leading to serious conditions.
- Heart Attack and Stroke: Blood clots can obstruct blood flow to the heart (causing a heart attack) or to the brain (causing a stroke).
- Organ Damage: Reduced blood flow due to thickened blood can deprive organs of the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly, potentially leading to organ damage.
- Other Symptoms: Elevated red blood cell counts can also cause symptoms such as:
- Skin itchiness
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Abdominal pain
- Nosebleeds
- Blurred or double vision
The underlying cause of the increased red blood cell production needs to be determined by a doctor to ensure appropriate treatment.
