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stress polycythemia
ICD-10 Codes
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Description
Stress polycythemia, also known as Gaisböck syndrome or stress erythrocytosis, is a condition characterized by a chronic state of low plasma volume, which is commonly seen in active, hard-working, anxious, and middle-aged men. This condition is marked by a normal red blood cell volume but a decreased plasma volume.
Key Features:
- Normal red blood cell volume
- Low plasma volume
- Commonly found in active, hard-working, anxious, and middle-aged men
Stress polycythemia can be induced by acute emotional stress, particularly in individuals with the Type A behavior pattern. This condition is often associated with a slight haemoconcentration at rest, which further increases during stress.
Symptoms:
- Lack of energy (fatigue) or weakness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Visual disturbances
- Nose bleeds
- Bleeding gums
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
It's essential to note that stress polycythemia is a relatively mild condition compared to other forms of polycythemia, and its symptoms can be managed with proper treatment.
References:
- [2] Stress polycythemia is a term applied to a chronic (long-standing) state of low plasma volume...
- [3] In subjects with the Type A behaviour pattern a slight haemoconcentration is present already at rest...
- [8] Symptoms include lack of energy (fatigue) or weakness, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath...
Additional Characteristics
- Normal red blood cell volume
- Low plasma volume
- Commonly found in active, hard-working, anxious, and middle-aged men
- Symptoms: Lack of energy (fatigue) or weakness, Headaches, Dizziness, Shortness of breath, Visual disturbances, Nose bleeds, Bleeding gums, Heavy menstrual bleeding.
Signs and Symptoms
Stress polycythemia, also known as "stress-induced erythrocytosis," is a condition characterized by an increase in red blood cell count due to physiological stress. The symptoms of stress polycythemia are often mild and may not be noticeable until complications develop.
Common signs and symptoms:
- Tiredness or fatigue [5]
- Shortness of breath [3, 5]
- Headaches [4, 5]
- Blurry vision [4, 5]
- Sleep disorders, such as insomnia [11]
- Joint pain or discomfort [7]
These symptoms are often similar to those experienced in other conditions, making it essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Risk factors:
Stress polycythemia is more common in middle-aged Caucasian men who experience physiological stress due to factors such as:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Being overweight
- Heavy smoking
Individuals with these risk factors should be aware of the potential complications, including an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.
Early detection is crucial:
While stress polycythemia may not cause noticeable symptoms initially, it's essential to recognize signs of worsening disease or complications. Discussing a plan of action with your healthcare provider can help manage the condition effectively.
References:
[3] - Shortness of breath due to increased red blood cell count and viscosity. [4] - Headaches, blurred vision, and other symptoms caused by thickened blood. [5] - Common signs and symptoms of stress polycythemia, including tiredness, shortness of breath, headaches, and blurry vision. [7] - Potential complications, such as heavy bleeding or intense bone pain. [11] - Additional symptoms, like insomnia and joint pain.
Additional Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Sleep disorders, such as insomnia
- Joint pain or discomfort
Diagnostic Tests
Stress polycythemia, also known as relative polycythemia, is a condition characterized by a chronic state of low plasma volume, which can lead to an increased concentration of red blood cells in the blood. The diagnostic tests for stress polycythemia are primarily focused on confirming the presence of this condition and ruling out other potential causes of polycythemia.
- Blood work: Repeating laboratory tests (blood work) is usually advised to confirm the diagnosis of stress polycythemia [2].
- Red blood cell volume: The red blood cell volume is normal in individuals with stress polycythemia, but the plasma volume is low [2].
- Hematocrit measurement: A hematocrit test measures the percentage of red blood cells in your blood and can help diagnose anemia and other blood disorders [8].
It's essential to note that stress polycythemia is often diagnosed based on a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and medical history. The diagnostic process typically involves:
- Physical examination: A thorough physical examination by a healthcare provider to assess overall health and identify any potential underlying conditions.
- Medical history: Reviewing the patient's medical history to determine if there are any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the polycythemia.
- Laboratory tests: Conducting blood tests, such as complete blood counts (CBC), to evaluate the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
While these diagnostic tests can help confirm a diagnosis of stress polycythemia, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and proper management of the condition.
Additional Diagnostic Tests
- Laboratory tests
- Physical examination
- Blood work
- Medical history review
- Red blood cell volume measurement
- Hematocrit measurement
Treatment
Stress polycythemia, also known as relative polycythemia or Gaisbock Syndrome, is a condition characterized by an elevated hematocrit due to a low plasma volume, rather than an actual increase in red blood cell mass. While there are no specific medications that directly treat stress polycythemia, treatment often focuses on addressing the underlying causes and managing symptoms.
Treatment of Underlying Causes
- Smoking cessation: Smoking is a significant risk factor for stress polycythemia. Quitting smoking can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications [5].
- Avoidance of high altitudes: Living at high altitudes can contribute to stress polycythemia. Moving to a lower altitude or taking regular breaks from high-altitude environments may be beneficial
Recommended Medications
- Smoking cessation
- Avoidance of high altitudes
💊 Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.
Differential Diagnosis
Stress polycythemia, also known as relative polycythemia or spurious erythrocytosis, is a condition where the red blood cell mass increases due to dehydration and/or hemoconcentration caused by stress, rather than an actual increase in red blood cell production.
The differential diagnosis of stress polycythemia includes:
- Tumor-driven polycythemia: This type of polycythemia is caused by a tumor that produces erythropoietin, leading to increased red blood cell production. However, in the case of stress polycythemia, there is no underlying tumor or abnormality in red blood cell production.
- Secondary polycythemia: This condition is characterized by an absolute increase in red blood cell mass caused by enhanced stimulation of red blood cell production, often due to chronic hypoxia. However, stress polycythemia is a relative increase in red blood cell mass without any underlying cause for increased red blood cell production.
- Other myeloproliferative neoplasm: This category includes various types of bone marrow disorders that can lead to an increase in red blood cells, but are not relevant to the differential diagnosis of stress polycythemia.
The key distinguishing feature of stress polycythemia is that it is a relative increase in red blood cell mass without any underlying cause for increased red blood cell production. This condition is often seen in individuals who are dehydrated or have hemoconcentration due to stress, and the red blood cell count returns to normal once hydration status improves.
References:
- [9] Dec 22, 2021 - Stress ... Normal. Normal. ↓. Differential Diagnosis. Secondary polycythemia. Tumor-driven polycythemia. Other myeloproliferative neoplasm.
- [12] Secondary erythrocytosis, which is more common than PV, has a broad differential diagnosis that includes hypoxic lung disease, cyanotic congenital heart disease, medications (e.g., testosterone) and erythropoietin-producing malignant disorders. ...
Additional Differential Diagnoses
- Secondary polycythemia
- myeloproliferative neoplasm
- polycythemia
Additional Information
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It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medical condition.