A high platelet count can be caused by primary thrombocythemia or other blood cell disorders. This is not a common condition. Thrombocythemia is most often caused by your genes. The most common cause of this condition is a change in the genes that control how your bone marrow forms platelets.
If you have a family history of blood clots, you may be at increased risk of developing a blood clot in your leg or arm. You may also be more likely to develop a heart attack or stroke.
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How do you treat high platelets?
Your doctor might prescribe platelet-lowering drugs primarily in the form of hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea) or interferon alfa (Intron A). A procedure that’s similar to a blood transfusion can remove platelets from your blood. If you have diabetes, your doctor may also prescribe insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use glucose for energy. It’s also used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.
Is high platelet count serious?
Too many platelets can lead to certain conditions, including stroke, heart attack or a clot in the blood vessels. The two types of thrombocytosis are primary and secondary. Primary thrombocytosis is a disease in which abnormal cells in the bone marrow cause an abnormal blood clot to form in a blood vessel. The clot can block the flow of blood to the brain, causing a stroke or other brain damage.
Thromboembolic disease is the most common cause of stroke. It is caused by a blockage of an artery that carries blood from the heart to a part of the body called the aorta. Aortic aneurysms are common in people who have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. They can also occur in patients with heart disease, such as angina pectoris or coronary artery disease.
What happens when platelets are high?
The amount of platelets in the blood is usually expected to be less than it is. The cells that make the blood clot are called platelets. Blood clot can form in your blood vessels and block the flow of blood to your organs if your platelet levels are too high.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is the most common form of high cholesterol in the U.S. It can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and other serious health problems. High cholesterol can also increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
What kind of infection causes high platelets?
Soft-tissue, pulmonary and urinary tract infections were the most common infectious causes of thrombocytosis. Infections were more common in women than in men, and the risk of infection was highest in those aged 65 years and older.
What cancers cause high platelets?
Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of colorectal cancer, lung, ovarian, stomach, and prostate cancer for the highest versus the lowest quartile of intake of red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, or legumes.
How can I lower my dogs platelets?
It’s ideal to stop the medication in a safe manner if it’s a medication causing it. These medications should be used with caution, however, as they can increase the chance of bleeding into the lungs. If you suspect your dog may have a blood clot in his or her leg or lung, call your veterinarian immediately.
In dogs, the most important thing to do is to keep your pet away from blood-clotting factors, such as blood thinners, aspirin, and other blood thinner medications. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on the best way to prevent your cat or dog from getting a clot.
