Thrombocythemia is the disease that causes too many platelets.
The condition characterized by an excessive production of platelets is known as thrombocythemia. This disease originates in the bone marrow, which is the soft, spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made.
According to Cedars-Sinai, thrombocythemia is a disease in which your bone marrow makes too many platelets. Platelets are vital components of blood, described as blood cell fragments that help with blood clotting.
Having an abnormally high number of platelets can disrupt the body's normal clotting process. This can manifest in two opposing ways, as highlighted by the reference:
- Too much clotting: This can lead to serious complications due to the formation of blood clots in vessels.
- Not enough clotting: Paradoxically, despite the high number, the platelets may not function correctly, leading to excessive bleeding.
Understanding thrombocythemia is crucial because the abnormal platelet count impacts the body's ability to manage bleeding and prevent blockages in blood vessels.
