Polycythemia vera (PV), a rare and chronic blood disorder, is characterized by the excessive production of red blood cells. This disease falls under myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), a group of blood cancers. Although PV primarily affects red blood cells, it can also produce white blood cells and platelets, increasing the risk of blood clots, bleeding, and related complications. Timely diagnosis and careful management can help prevent complications and improve the quality of life for patients.

Signs and symptoms
Different patients will experience various signs and symptoms of polycythemia vera. Some people may remain asymptomatic for years, while others may experience significant discomfort in the initial stages.

• Headaches
  Frequent and severe headaches are a common indication of PV. This symptom occurs due to the increased thickness of blood. Higher viscosity makes it difficult for oxygen to travel to the brain. As a result, affected individuals often experience frequent and intense headaches.
• Dizziness
  Vertigo is another common symptom in patients with PV, which is characterized by frequent dizziness or a spinning sensation. These symptoms can significantly increase the risk of accidents and falls for the patient, particularly for older individuals who already struggle with balance issues.
• Persistent fatigue
  The body expends a substantial amount of energy in producing excessive cells, which leaves the patient with drained energy to carry out routine tasks. This leads the patient to experience persistent fatigue, which impacts their lifestyle and overall well-being.
• Itching
  If a person experiences severe itching after exposure to warm water, this could be a warning sign. This reaction is triggered by the increased release of histamines from overactive mast cells.

Causes
In most scenar, the exact cause of PV is not known. But the condition has been primarily associated with genetic mutations. Most patients have a specific mutation in the Janus-kinase 2 (JAK2) gene, which is responsible for the increased production of blood cells in the bone marrow. Environmental factors like radiation exposure or toxic chemicals could also lead to PV. However, these factors are not as common a causative factor for the condition as genetic mutations. Age and gender also play a role in the prevalence of PV. The condition is more commonly diagnosed in older adults, particularly those over 60.