Polycythemia is a blood disorder characterized by an increased number of red blood cells (RBCs) in the bloodstream. This condition leads to an elevated hematocrit level, which can cause the blood to become thicker and more prone to clotting. Polycythemia can be classified into two main types: primary and secondary. Primary polycythemia, also known as polycythemia vera, is a myeloproliferative disorder caused by a genetic mutation in the bone marrow. Secondary polycythemia, on the other hand, results from external factors such as chronic hypoxia, tumors, or erythropoietin-producing conditions.
