What is secondary polycythemia?

Polycythemia is characterized by an increased number of red blood cells. Secondary polycythemia is usually caused by an exposure to low oxygen over an extended amount of time. Common complications include slower blood flow and development of blood clots.

How do members experience secondary polycythemia?

Top 5 symptoms reported by people with secondary polycythemia*

*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.

Top treatments taken by people for secondary polycythemia*

Who has secondary polycythemia on PatientsLikeMe?

Age

Age Proportion # of patients
<20 0
20s 1
30s 6
40s 12
50s 13
60s 29
70+ 13

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 33
Female 42