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Polycythemia Risk

Meaning

Polycythemia Risk refers to the clinical potential for an individual to develop polycythemia, a condition characterized by an abnormally high concentration of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the blood, which can increase blood viscosity. Elevated blood viscosity significantly raises the risk of thromboembolic events, such as stroke, heart attack, and deep vein thrombosis. This risk is a specific clinical consideration, particularly in men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy, as testosterone can stimulate erythropoiesis.