Consequences of Increased Blood Volume
The effects of increased blood volume can be categorized into symptoms and complications as outlined below:
Symptoms of Increased Blood Volume
The symptoms associated with increased blood volume, commonly known as polycythemia, can vary from individual to individual. Below are some notable symptoms:
- General fatigue and dizziness.
- Bruising and bleeding beneath the skin.
- Fever.
- Swelling in a joint, commonly the big toe joint.
- Blurred vision.
- Shortness of breath.
- Weakness in the upper and lower limbs accompanied by numbness and tingling.
- Excessive sweating.
Complications of Increased Blood Volume in Infants
Increased blood viscosity or volume can adversely affect various organ functions in infants due to reduced blood circulation, leading to:
- Elevated blood pressure in the lungs.
- Impaired kidney function.
- Decreased oxygen levels in the blood.
- Gastrointestinal issues.
Complications of Increased Blood Volume in Adults
The following complications are observed in adults with increased blood volume:
- Oxygen deficiency
Blood serves to transport oxygen to various organs in the body. When blood volume increases, its flow becomes more challenging, ultimately leading to reduced oxygen delivery to different organs.
- Blood clots
Increased blood thickness can lead to the formation of clots in different parts of the body, such as deep vein thrombosis. These clots can detach and travel to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism, or block a heart artery, resulting in a heart attack, or lodge in the brain, leading to a stroke.
- Skin itching
Skin itching can occur due to heightened production of histamine, a substance released by the immune system to combat allergic reactions. The increased blood volume stimulates immune activity, resulting in skin irritation. This issue may be alleviated through the use of moisturizers and lukewarm baths.
- Enlarged spleen
The spleen plays a role in the breakdown of excess blood cells. Consequently, approximately 75% of individuals with increased blood volume may experience splenomegaly as a result of the splenic overactivity.
- Blood cancer and bone marrow fibrosis
Patients with elevated blood volume may develop bone marrow fibrosis due to the transformation of marrow tissues into fibrous scars, impairing their ability to produce sufficient blood cells. In rare instances, abnormal blood cell growth can lead to a type of blood cancer known as acute myelogenous leukemia.