This page is meant as an educational resource only. For professional advice, please consult your doctor.
If you wish to change to your native language, there is a button on the bottom left for you to select the language of your choice. On the bottom right, there is a chat bot for you to ask questions.
Overview
What is Thrombocytosis?
- Thrombocytosis means having an abnormally high number of platelets (thrombocytes) in your blood.
- Platelets help your blood clot to stop bleeding.
- Thrombocytosis can be classified as:
- Primary (Essential) Thrombocytosis: Caused by a problem in the bone marrow, where too many platelets are produced for no obvious reason. Often linked to genetic mutations (e.g., JAK2, CALR, MPL).
- Secondary (Reactive) Thrombocytosis: Platelet count rises as a reaction to another condition, such as infection, inflammation, iron deficiency, or after surgery.
Who is affected?
- Primary thrombocytosis can affect adults of any age, but is more common in people over 50.
- Secondary thrombocytosis can affect anyone, including children, depending on the underlying cause.
Causes and Risk Factors
Why does it happen?
- Primary: Due to bone marrow disorders (myeloproliferative neoplasms) where the body makes too many platelets without a clear trigger.
- Secondary: Platelet production increases in response to:
- Infections (e.g., pneumonia)
- Inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Recovery after bleeding, trauma, or surgery
- Certain cancers
Are certain people more at risk?
- Primary: Those with certain genetic mutations, family history of blood disorders.
- Secondary: Anyone can be at risk depending on medical history and health conditions.
Symptoms
What are the common signs and symptoms?
- Many people have no symptoms, especially with mild thrombocytosis.
- When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Headaches or dizziness
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Tingling in hands and feet
- Redness, warmth, or swelling in hands or feet
- Unexplained blood clots (in veins or arteries)
- Rarely, serious complications like stroke or heart attack (mostly in primary thrombocytosis)
Diagnosis
How is it diagnosed?
- Usually found through a routine blood test (full blood count).
- Platelet count higher than 450 x 10⁹/L suggests thrombocytosis.
What tests are commonly done?
- Blood tests (full blood count, blood smear)
- Iron studies (to check for iron deficiency)
- Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR)
- Tests for infections or inflammation
- Genetic testing (for JAK2, CALR, MPL mutations if primary is suspected)
- Bone marrow biopsy (in some cases)
Treatment Options
What are the treatment choices?
- Secondary thrombocytosis: Treat the underlying cause (e.g., antibiotics for infection, iron supplements for deficiency).
- Primary thrombocytosis: Treatment aims to reduce the risk of clotting or bleeding. May include:
- Low-dose aspirin
- Medications to reduce platelet count (e.g., hydroxyurea, anagrelide, interferon alfa)
- Sometimes, plateletpheresis (a procedure to quickly lower platelets)
- Regular monitoring and check-ups.
Are there any advanced or investigational therapies?
- Targeted therapies for specific gene mutations are being studied.
- Participation in clinical trials may be an option for some patients.
Dietary Advice
What to eat and what to avoid:
- There’s no special diet that directly lowers platelets, but supporting overall health helps.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
- For those with iron deficiency: increase iron-rich foods (red meat, beans, spinach), but check with your doctor.
- Avoid excessive alcohol, which can affect blood counts.
Nutrition tips to support treatment or symptom control:
- Stay hydrated.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- If taking aspirin or blood thinners, avoid foods and supplements that increase bleeding risk without consulting your doctor (e.g., high doses of vitamin E, fish oil).
Common supplements:
- Iron supplements (if iron deficiency is present)—only under medical advice.
- Always talk to your doctor before starting any supplements.
Food safety or drug-food interactions:
- No specific restrictions, but always check with your care team if starting new medications or supplements.
Living with the Condition
Managing daily activities:
- Most people can lead normal lives, especially with secondary thrombocytosis once the cause is treated.
- Be aware of any symptoms of clotting or unusual bleeding.
Exercise, lifestyle, and emotional well-being:
- Regular physical activity helps circulation and overall health.
- Quit smoking if you smoke (increases clot risk).
- Manage stress—consider relaxation techniques or support groups.
Tips for long-term monitoring and follow-up:
- Attend regular follow-up visits and blood tests.
- Report new symptoms like severe headaches, visual changes, chest pain, or leg swelling promptly.
FAQs
- Is thrombocytosis dangerous?
- Most cases, especially secondary, are not dangerous and resolve when the underlying problem is treated. Primary thrombocytosis may require long-term management to prevent blood clots.
- Will I need lifelong treatment?
- Secondary thrombocytosis does not need lifelong treatment. Primary may need ongoing monitoring and sometimes medication.
- Can thrombocytosis turn into leukemia or cancer?
- In rare cases, primary thrombocytosis (essential thrombocythemia) can progress to other bone marrow diseases, but this is uncommon.
- What should I do if I have a very high platelet count?
- Follow your doctor’s advice and treatment plan. Let your healthcare provider know about any new or worrying symptoms.
- Can I travel or exercise normally?
- Yes, unless your doctor advises restrictions. If you are at risk of blood clots, keep moving during long journeys.
Call to Action
When to contact a doctor:
- If you have sudden severe headaches, chest pain, trouble breathing, numbness, or weakness (could indicate a clot).
- If you notice unexplained bruising or bleeding.
Other Information Resources
Empower yourself with knowledge, stay connected with your healthcare team, and take good care of your health!