How is Polycythemia Vera Treated?
Your doctor may treat your polycythemia vera (PV) with a number of methods, either separate or in combination. Your treatment options may include phlebotomy, medicines, or biological therapy. Goals of treatment PV cannot be cured. The goals of treating PV are to control your symptoms and reduce the risk of complications, especially stroke or heart attack, caused by thickened blood and blood clots. This is done by reducing the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in your blood toward normal levels. Reducing the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin brings the thickness of your blood closer to normal levels. Blood with normal thickness flows more easily through the arteries. This reduces the chances that blood clots will form that could cause you to have a stroke or heart attack. Blood with normal thickness delivers oxygen more efficiently to all parts of your body. This can help reduce some of the signs and symptoms PV causes, such as headaches, vision problems, and itching. Stud
