Sodiq Ojuroungbe
Medical experts have urged Nigerians to pay attention to their blood volume, noting that having a high volume of blood in the body could be dangerous.
Too much blood in the body, the experts say, increases the risk of blood clots and complications such as heart attack and stroke.
A high volume of blood in the body also called polycythemia vera, according to John Hopkins Medicine is a rare blood disorder in which there is an increase in all blood cells, particularly red blood cells. The increase in blood cells makes the blood thicker and can lead to strokes or tissue and organ damage.
Polycythemia vera is caused by a genetic change (mutation) that develops during a lifetime and is not an inherited genetic disorder. In most cases, it is not known why this happens, John Hopkins Medicine said
The experts explained that too many red blood cells can make the blood thick and sluggish, adding that high blood volume can also cause irritating symptoms, including itching, ringing in the ears, stomach ache, nosebleeds, and blurred or double vision.
According to the experts, when blood is thick, it can hinder the movement of oxygen, hormones, and nutrients throughout the body, preventing them from reaching tissues and cells.
They added that low oxygen levels in the cells can also lead to hormonal and nutritional deficiencies.
The experts, a public health physician, Dr. Olaposi Olatoregun, and a Hematologist, Dr. Rugut Kipyego, said excessive blood in the body often leads to polycythemia, stressing that it is a rare blood disorder characterised by an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the bloodstream.
Dr. Olatoregun explained that high blood volume in the body can also cause a type of blood cancer known as myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), adding that it usually causes the overproduction of different blood cells as a result of a gene mutation.
The public expert further noted, “Too many red blood cells can make your blood thick and sluggish and increase your risk of blood clots. It can also cause medical complications such as heart attack and stroke.
“Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, high blood pressure, blurred or double vision, tinnitus, itchy skin, excessive bleeding, and weight loss.
“High red blood cell turnover will also cause high uric acid levels which can cause other complications such as gout, and kidney stones. High red blood cells can also cause peptic ulcer disease.”
Also speaking with Reportr Door HealthWise, Dr. Kipyego said polycythemia can either be primary or secondary, noting that primary polycythemia, is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and leads to the overproduction of red blood cells.
He further said secondary polycythemia is caused by an underlying medical condition or a reaction to certain drugs.
He added, “Having a surplus of blood in the body system can lead to a condition called Polycythemia, which is a rare blood disorder characterised by an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the bloodstream.
“The danger of having polycythemia or excess blood in the body is that it can lead to thickening of the blood, which can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. Thickened blood can also lead to poor circulation, which can cause damage to organs and tissues throughout the body.”
Speaking on how to reduce high blood levels in the body, the haematologist said, “The approach to reducing high blood levels will depend on the specific condition.
“Eating a balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium can help lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet.
“Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
“If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
“Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other health problems. Finding ways to manage stress, such as through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, can be helpful.
“Smoking can raise blood pressure and contribute to atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
“If you have high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or high cholesterol, your healthcare provider may recommend medications to help lower these levels. Be sure to take these medications as prescribed and follow up with your healthcare provider regularly.”
On how to reduce blood volume, Dr. Kipyego advised those with the condition to engage in regular blood donation with the removal of 500ml to 1000ml of blood every one or two months.
He added, “Diuretics are medications that help the body eliminate excess fluid and sodium through urine. Your healthcare provider may prescribe diuretics to help reduce blood volume.
“Reducing salt intake can help reduce fluid retention and lower blood volume. Avoid processed and packaged foods that are high in sodium, and try to cook with herbs and spices instead of salt.
“The frequency of blood level testing will depend on the specific condition being monitored and the recommendations of your healthcare provider. For some conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, blood level testing may be recommended as often as several times per week or per month. For other conditions, such as high cholesterol or thyroid disorders, blood level testing may be recommended less frequently, such as once or twice a year.
“It is important to follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider regarding the frequency of blood level testing. Your healthcare provider may adjust the frequency of testing based on changes in your health status, medications, or other factors.
“In general, it is a good idea to have regular check-ups for hemoglobin say after every 3 months, with your healthcare provider to monitor your overall health and detect any potential issues early. During these check-ups, your healthcare provider may recommend blood level testing or other diagnostic tests as needed.”
A study published on the National Library of Medicine Open Access portal titled; “Physiology, Blood Volume”, noted that increased and decreased blood volumes have associated clinical complications.
The study stated that when blood volume increases, it can lead to renal failure, congestive heart failure, liver failure, excessive sodium intake, or any other dysfunction of sodium regulation.
The study read partly, “Furthermore, prolonged hypertension may result in renal damage, eventually culminating in fluid imbalance. When sodium is retained in the body, water is as well. This retention results in increased plasma and subsequently increased blood volume. Uncontrolled hypervolemia results in fluid accumulation in various body cavities and other extracellular spaces. Ascites, pulmonary edema, and edema are all possible outcomes of hypervolemia.”
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