The term polycythemia refers to a disorder characterized by a hematocrit that is elevated significantly above the normal upper limit of about 55. Blood viscocity rises as hematocrit increases.
The increased viscosity elevates blood pressure and contributes to thrombosis and hemorrhage. The thrombosis results from too many red blood cells piling up as they try to enter smaller vessels. The hemorrhage is due to widespread hyperemia (unusually large amount of blood in an organ).
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