The Heart and Polycythemia Vera: Crimson Cadence

What Is Polycythemia Vera?

Polycythemia vera is a form of chronic leukemia or blood cancer that induces the bone marrow to produce an excess amount of red blood cells in the system. Hence, it is clinically characterized by an increased red blood cell count, leading to heightened blood volume and viscosity. Polycythemia vera results from a genetic change or mutation. However, it is not considered an inherited genetic disorder. Sometimes, polycythemia vera is idiopathic, meaning the exact cause is undetermined.

What Are the Symptoms Associated With Polycythemia Vera?

There could be certain problems concerning blood health and the cardiovascular system with increased blood volume and viscosity due to polycythemia vera. The symptoms usually develop over time.

The potential symptoms associated with polycythemia vera include the following.

• Headache.

• Fatigue or weakness.

• Dizziness.

• Shortness of breath.

• Difficulty concentrating.

• Vision impairments include blurred vision, double vision, and blind spots.

• Night sweats.

• Bruising.

• Bleeding gums.

• Coughing up blood.

• Increased menstrual bleeding.

• Gout.

• Numbness.

• Increased blood pressure.

• Itchiness.

Does Polycythemia Vera Affect the Heart?

Generally, polycythemia vera does not directly affect the heart. Nevertheless, certain circumstances are contributing to cardiac-related malfunctions. Polycythemia vera is a chronic and progressive myeloproliferative neoplasm with the primary manifestation of elevated red blood cells. The clinical findings show that people with this condition encounter an elevated leukocyte or white blood cell count, an enlarged spleen, and an increased platelet count, specifically over time. Certain clinical evidence shows that polycythemia vera could increase the risk of heart attacks, while severe or mild degrees of heart attack could result in heart failure. Moreover, there were times when small blood clots from polycythemia vera on the way to the lungs could raise the blood pressure in the lungs, resulting in another form of heart failure.

Hence, polycythemia vera is known to affect the heart. Polycythemia vera is a condition typically characterized by the excess production of red blood cells or erythrocytes, resulting in an elevated blood volume and viscosity. Polycythemia vera, in turn, could impede the cardiovascular system.

The increased blood volume and thickness could impair and strain the heart, potentially resulting in adverse outcomes, including high blood pressure, an increased risk of blood clots, and an enlarged spleen. Moreover, this condition might influence normal and healthy blood flow, affecting the overall functioning of the heart and cardiovascular system.

How Does Polycythemia Vera Affect the Heart?

Polycythemia vera affects the heart using several mechanisms associated with the increased production of red blood cells. The increased count of red blood cells in the system results in thicker blood with heightened viscosity, which could have certain implications for the heart and cardiovascular health.

• Increased Blood Viscosity: Thicker and more viscous blood resulting from excessive red blood cells could influence and impede healthy blood circulation through the blood vessels, including arteries and veins. Consequently, the heart faces challenges in pumping efficient blood throughout the circulatory system.

• Increased Blood Volume: The increased red blood cell count eventually increases the overall volume of the blood in the system. The raised blood volume is attributable to the elevated blood pressure, making it an additional strain on the heart.

• Risk of Thrombosis: It is known that polycythemia vera is linked to a higher risk of thrombosis. Generally, thrombosis, or blood lot formation, results when blood clots obstruct the arteries and veins. The thickened and more viscous blood is more vulnerable to clotting. Consequently, such blood clots could block certain significant blood vessels, resulting in serious complications like strokes and heart attacks.

• Enlarged Spleen: The organ spleen (splenomegaly) can be enlarged in polycythemia vera due to elevated blood flow and filtration demands. The enlarged spleen is regarded as a contributing factor to the cardiovascular malfunction.

• Hypertension: The combination of heightened blood volume and viscosity is attributable to increased blood pressure or hypertension. Hypertension is a known and pivotal cardiovascular risk factor.

What Is the Association Between Polycythemia Vera and Heart Failure?

The association between polycythemia vera and heart disease relies on an intricate interplay of certain physiological factors. Polycythemia vera is signified by the excessive production of erythrocytes or red blood cells, which contributes to increased blood volume and viscosity. The thickened blood challenges the cardiovascular system, making it excruciating for the heart to pump an efficient amount of blood via blood vessels.

The heightened workload on the heart, conjugated with the potential development of hypertension (a common consequence of polycythemia vera), could strain the cardiac-associated muscles over time. Moreover, the disorder’s association with an increased risk of thrombosis fosters the likelihood of blood clots forming in the vital blood vessels, potentially precipitating heart attacks and, in turn, triggering heart failure.

The intricate link between polycythemia vera and heart failure accentuates the significance of vigilant medical management in addressing increased red blood cell counts, monitoring blood pressure, and alleviating cardiovascular risks while safeguarding the heart’s health in people with this condition. Routine medical oversight is considered pivotal to navigating and minimizing the potential influence on cardiovascular health, mitigating the risk of heart failure in people with polycythemia vera.

What Is the Management of Polycythemia Vera?

The healthcare professionals will determine the appropriate intervention option based on the individual's age, overall health, underlying medical conditions, severity of polycythemia vera, blood cell count, and response to specific medications.

The common treatments include:

• Medications: Certain groups of medications, including chemotherapeutic agents, are prescribed. Such medications help prevent the bone marrow from producing too many blood cells. They also aid in regulating and maintaining blood thickness and flow closer to their normal limits.

• Phlebotomy: Phlebotomy draws or eliminates blood from the circulatory system using a puncture or incision. This procedure is often done during the initial stage of intervention. When adequate blood has been drawn to decrease the iron overload, the frequency of this treatment is reduced.

Conclusion

Polycythemia vera, a condition of excess red blood cell production, affects the heart. It increases the volume and viscosity of the blood. Polycythemia vera, in turn, could impede the cardiovascular system. The complex relationship between the heart and polycythemia vera reveals a nuanced interplay that substantially influences cardiovascular health. Hence, it emphasizes the importance of proactive management measures. Addressing increased blood viscosity, thrombolytic risk, and hypertension is crucial to preserving cardiovascular health.