In most people, a protein called activated protein C regulates the activity of the clotting factor called factor V. This results from a genetic change that increases the risk of blood clots, especially in deep veins.

This may result from increased disease activity, including high levels of inflammation and other factors. Thrombosis - a blood clot blocking a blood vessel - is relatively common in the first year of living with SLE. It can affect the blood in many ways, including increasing the risk of clotting. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory disease that happens when the immune system attacks healthy tissues as if they were diseased.

Lupus, including systemic lupus erythematosusĪccording to the Lupus Foundation of America, 1.5 million people in the U.S. There are about 1,000 to 1,500 new diagnoses of Waldenström macroglobulinemia in the United States each year, according to the American Cancer Society. tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes.bleeding in the gums and the retinas of the eyes as small blood vessels become damaged.This can cause the blood to become thick, resulting in a range of symptoms. The body produces large amounts of the antibody protein called immunoglobulin M. Waldenström macroglobulinemia is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. PV affects 44–57 people in every 100,000, and it usually appears after the age of 60 years, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.įind out more about polycythemia vera - and secondary polycythemia. abdominal fullness or bloating, due to an enlarged spleen.Various symptoms may appear over time, including: It is not generally inherited, in other words, the changes tend to occur slowly over many years. PV involves the bone marrow making too many red or white blood cells and platelets, causing the blood to thicken.Įxperts believe that PV results from genetic changes that occur after conception. Polycythemia vera (PV) is a blood disorder that originates in bone marrow, the soft center of the bone where new blood cells develop. Some medical conditions that cause the blood to thicken include: Polycythemia vera The health issue that causes thick blood may be inherited or genetic, or it may be acquired, developing over time. Share on Pinterest athima tongloom/Getty Images

Thick & Thin by Charlie Cochet