What does a high mean platelet volume indicate?
Quick Answer
According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, a high platelet count can indicate a number of different conditions, including cancer, anemia or a reaction to medications. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) explains that there are two different types of thrombocythemia, or a high volume of platelets in the blood. Primary thrombocythemia is caused by faulty bone marrow stem cells, while secondary thrombocythemia is caused by some other underlying physical condition.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
The NHLBI states that the causes of primary thrombocythemia are unknown. However, in some cases, primary thrombocythemia can be passed genetically from parent to child. By contrast, a wide range of conditions and illnesses can cause secondary thrombocythemia, including anemia, adverse reactions to medication and tuberculosis. Additionally, inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel syndrome, can also lead to an overabundance of platelets in the blood. In some cases, a high platelet count can indicate cancer. People who have had their spleen removed surgically may also produce too many platelets.
According to the NHLBI, under certain circumstances, secondary thrombocythemia can be a temporary condition. For example, an acute infection, physical activity and serious blood loss may cause the platelet count to rise. However, in such cases, the platelet count usually returns to normal after a short time.
Learn more about BloodRelated Questions
-
Q:
What are symptoms of a high platelet count?
A: Symptoms of a high platelet count include headache, bleeding, feeling weak, and numbness in the hands or feet, states Healthgrades. Blood-clotting symptoms... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is a normal white blood cell count?
A: A normal white blood cell count is any number between 4,500 and 10,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood. Normal values may be different in differe... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How do you calculate maximum allowable blood loss?
A: To find out the maximum allowable blood loss, or ABL, subtract the initial hemoglobin count, or Hi, by the final hemoglobin count, or Hf, then multiply tha... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What does a high white blood cell count mean?
A: A high white blood cell count may indicate anemia, infection, allergic reaction or leukemia, states MedlinePlus. Other causes include extensive tissue dama... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
Which volume of peroxide should be used to color hair?
-
Q:
What is the relationship between temperature and volume?
-
Q:
How long does it take blood to congeal?
-
Q:
Why are capillaries small and thin?
-
Q:
How do you calculate maximum allowable blood loss?
-
Q:
From which chamber of the heart does blood enter the lungs?
