Which statement is a recognized complication of polycythemia vera?

Which statement is a recognized complication of polycythemia vera?

• A. Anemia
• B. Hypotension
• C. Edema
• D. Thrombosis

Answer: (D)

In polycythemia vera the red cell mass is increased, making the blood thicker (higher viscosity) and flow slower. This creates a hypercoagulable state where clots can form more easily in arteries and veins. Because of this, thrombosis is a major and well-recognized complication of the condition, leading to serious events like stroke, heart attack, or clotting in the abdominal veins. Anemia wouldn’t fit with polycythemia vera, since the hallmark is too many red cells, not too few. Hypotension isn’t a typical outcome associated with PV, and edema isn’t the defining complication, though various secondary issues can occur. The strongest, most characteristic complication you’d look for in PV is thrombosis.

In polycythemia vera the red cell mass is increased, making the blood thicker (higher viscosity) and flow slower. This creates a hypercoagulable state where clots can form more easily in arteries and veins. Because of this, thrombosis is a major and well-recognized complication of the condition, leading to serious events like stroke, heart attack, or clotting in the abdominal veins.

Anemia wouldn’t fit with polycythemia vera, since the hallmark is too many red cells, not too few. Hypotension isn’t a typical outcome associated with PV, and edema isn’t the defining complication, though various secondary issues can occur. The strongest, most characteristic complication you’d look for in PV is thrombosis.