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Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Polycythaemia
ERYTHROCYTOSIS OR HIGH RED BLOOD CELL COUNT
Our consultants diagnose and treat polycaethymia and associated conditions using advanced testing and technology
Our consultants diagnose and treat polycaethymia and associated conditions using advanced testing and technology
About
Polycythaemia is where you have an unusually high amount of red blood cells (haemoglobin) in your blood. This makes the blood thick and sluggish and less able to travel through organs and vessels.
The condition may be a primary condition caused by a gene defect or may signify secondary issues such as circulatory or kidney problems or cancer.
The condition may be a primary condition caused by a gene defect or may signify secondary issues such as circulatory or kidney problems or cancer.
Need to know
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you to help make a diagnosis. A blood test is the most effective way to diagnose polycythaema. This shows the amount of red blood cells in your blood and the amount of room they take up. If your red blood cell count is very high, you may be sent for more blood tests to confirm the diagnosis and find underlying causes. These include genetic causes or CT scans for kidney problems.
The most effective way to reduce a high red blood cell count is a process called venesection, when a pint of blood (half a litre) is removed until the condition is under control. This usually happens weekly and then every 6-12 weeks until the red blood cell count is reduced. In certain types of polycythaemia, medication can help slow down red blood cell production and prevent clotting. Lifestyle changes can also help - losing weight, stopping smoking and managing cardiovascular disease can be effective. Your consultant will order further treatment for any underlying conditions found to be causing polycythaemia, such as kidney problems or gout.
Our Polycythaemia locations
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
Patient stories
Hear from past patients about their experience
The importance of finding the right fertility team: Zoe's story
After experiencing multiple heartbreaking miscarriages, Zoe and Giorgio faced an emotional and uncertain journey to parenthood. Despite setbacks and unanswered questions, they remained determined to find answers and explore new options.
Richard's story
After experiencing what he thought was heartburn, it was the rapid assessment and treatment Richard received at The Harborne Hospital that helped prevent a serious heart problem from becoming much worse.
Sarah's story
Sarah, a health copywriter, aged 47, from Birmingham, was looking forward to enjoying the first few months of married life, when her painful periods revealed a diagnosis of endometriosis and metastatic appendix cancer.