High platelets (essential thrombocythaemia) Mate toto-kōpiapia teitei

The cause of essential thrombocythaemia is not known. It could be related to mutations in the gene that controls platelet production in the bone marrow. Sometimes a faulty gene runs in families.

Most people with essential thrombocythaemia have no symptoms. It is often diagnosed when you have a blood test for something else. One of the first symptoms may be the development of a blood clot (thrombus).

You may have:

• weakness
• dizziness or fainting
• tiredness
• an enlarged spleen
• tingling in your hands and feet
• chest pain.

Sometimes you may have signs of more bleeding, such as:

• bruising easily
• nosebleeds
• bloody poos
• bleeding in your stomach or bowels.

You may have a higher risk of blood clots if you have essential thrombocythaemia. Blood clots can lead to:

• deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• pulmonary embolism
• stroke
• heart attack
• loss of blood supply to a toe or finger.

After many years, you may develop other blood problems, such as:

• anaemia
• scarring of your bone marrow (a condition called myelofibrosis)
• leukaemia.

If you have essential thrombocythaemia and become pregnant there is a risk of getting blood clots or other complications. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are planning to get pregnant. They may refer you to a specialist.

Essential thrombocythaemia is diagnosed with a blood test to check the number of platelets in your blood. If you have too many platelets, you may have more blood tests to check for genetic causes of essential thrombocythaemia.

Understanding your complete blood count results

Essential thrombocythaemia is usually treated with low-dose aspirin every day to reduce the risk of blood clots. You may need more treatment with medication if you have a higher risk of getting blood clots.

If you are having planned surgery, you may need to stop some medications. Discuss this with your surgical team before your surgery.