Primary Causes of Increased Blood Cell Production
Increased blood cell production, clinically known as polycythemia, is categorized into primary polycythemia and secondary polycythemia. The primary type is attributed to genetic or hereditary disorders that affect the production of red blood cells by the body. Below are the specific health conditions associated with this type:
- Polycythemia Vera: This condition results from a mutation in the JAK2 gene, leading to an increased production of red and white blood cells by the bone marrow.
- Primary Familial and Congenital Polycythemia: In this case, red blood cell production is heightened due to a mutation in another gene known as EPOR.
Secondary Causes of Increased Blood Cell Production
Secondary polycythemia usually arises from elevated levels of erythropoietin, a hormone responsible for red blood cell production. This hormone surge is often linked to various health issues, including:
Decreased Oxygen Levels
The body’s response to low oxygen levels is to increase the production of red blood cells. Examples of conditions that may lead to this response include:
- Congenital heart disease in adults.
- Heart failure.
- Hemoglobinopathy: A congenital condition characterized by a reduced ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- Living at high altitudes.
- Obstructive sleep apnea.
- Nicotine addiction due to smoking.
Medications
Several medications and substances can stimulate red blood cell production, including:
- Anabolic steroids.
- Erythropoietin injections.
- Blood transfusions or activation treatments.
Other Contributing Factors
Additional health issues that may lead to secondary polycythemia include:
- Kidney disorders, such as kidney blockage or renal cysts. In rare instances, kidney cancer or post-kidney transplantation can lead to excessive erythropoietin production, enhancing red blood cell generation.
- Myeloproliferative disorders.
- Uterine tumors.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma.