Changes

Red blood cells also are called RBCs or erythrocytes (eh-RITH-ro-sites). Normal red blood cells look like doughnuts but with shallow indents rather than holes in the center and have an average lifespan of 120 days. Red blood cells contain [[hemoglobin]] (HEE-muh-glow-bin), an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color and carries oxygen to the body. Red blood cells also remove carbon dioxide, a waste product, from cells and carry it to the lungs to be exhaled.

Red blood cells also are called RBCs or erythrocytes (eh-RITH-ro-sites). Normal red blood cells look like doughnuts but with shallow indents rather than holes in the center and have an average lifespan of 120 days. Red blood cells contain [[hemoglobin]] (HEE-muh-glow-bin), an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color and carries oxygen to the body. Red blood cells also remove carbon dioxide, a waste product, from cells and carry it to the lungs to be exhaled.

PV is a rare, chronic disease that can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated. The cause of PV is not known. It develops slowly and may not produce symptoms for many years. Sometimes, symptoms can be vague and nonspecific. Many people find out they have PV from blood t]]ests done for other reasons. It is more common in adult males 60 years or older. It is very rare in people younger than 20 years.

PV is a rare, chronic disease that can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated. The cause of PV is not known. It develops slowly and may not produce symptoms for many years. Sometimes, symptoms can be vague and nonspecific. Many people find out they have PV from blood tests done for other reasons. It is more common in adult males 60 years or older. It is very rare in people younger than 20 years.

With PV, thickening of the blood slows down the flow of blood to all parts of the body. Clots form more easily, potentially blocking blood flow through arteries or veins. The slower flow of blood means that organs do not receive enough oxygen. The shortage of oxygen can lead to angina, congestive heart failure, and gout. Slower blood flow also deprives the arms, legs, lungs, and eyes of the oxygen they need to perform normally. This can cause headaches, dizziness, itching, and problems with vision, such as blurred or double vision.

With PV, thickening of the blood slows down the flow of blood to all parts of the body. Clots form more easily, potentially blocking blood flow through arteries or veins. The slower flow of blood means that organs do not receive enough oxygen. The shortage of oxygen can lead to angina, congestive heart failure, and gout. Slower blood flow also deprives the arms, legs, lungs, and eyes of the oxygen they need to perform normally. This can cause headaches, dizziness, itching, and problems with vision, such as blurred or double vision.