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What do platelets mean? How should the platelet count be interpreted? What do elevated platelets mean? Should additional tests be performed? Is high platelet count a cause for concern? The question is answered by the drug. Paweł Żmuda-Trzebiatowski.
What do elevated platelets mean?
Good day. I am 52 years old, I am a man. I have done blood tests many times in my life, I try to get regular blood tests, especially in recent years, even though I do not have any chronic disease. I’ve had blood test results for some time elevated platelets.
I have consulted this with my doctor who still says I’m fine and nothing to worry about. However, in subsequent and subsequent research results, the value is still increased and this slowly begins to bother me. My wife also noticed this and started to worry about it. Therefore, maybe I will ask here what are the evidence of increased platelets? Is it really, as my family doctor says, that there is no reason to worry and I should give up on it or maybe we should look for some reason for this result?
I note that my platelets are slightly elevated, the results are above the norm every time, but not significantly. Of course, I trust my doctor, but maybe he was wrong on that point. I am asking for advice.
The doctor explains as evidenced by high platelets
Dear sir, you wrote that the number of blood platelets is slightly elevated, but unfortunately you did not write a specific value, which is key. The causes of the increased number of platelets may be different. If the number of plaques is slightly elevated for a longer period of time and, in addition, there are no symptoms or you have not noticed anything disturbing in your body, I see no cause for concern.
The cause of thrombocythemia, i.e. increased platelet count, can be chronic inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic infectious diseases. Other causes include iron deficiency anemia, splenectomy (or removal of the spleen), bleeding conditions, alcohol abuse, and the use of certain medications. Unfortunately, thrombocythemia can be one of the symptoms of solid tumors, such as pancreatic cancer or lung cancer, and can also develop in chronic myeloid leukemia or polycythemia vera. Thrombocytopenia can also be a cancer in itself, it is defined then essential thrombocythemia.
It is a pity that you did not provide more information about yourself, maybe you are an honorary blood donor? In donors, the platelet count may remain slightly elevated.
As you have noticed, the causes of thrombocythemia can be different. For a thorough diagnosis, you should go to your family doctor. You may need a haematological consultation.
– Lek. Paweł Żmuda-Trzebiatowski
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