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Definition

noun

An increase in the number of circulating erythrocytes in the blood above the minimum normal levels.

Supplement

This condition may be due to the overproduction of red blood cells or due to a chronically low oxygen levels. For instance, individuals living at high altitudes have relatively higher concentration of RBCs in blood than those who are not. Hence, some athletes train at high altitudes to develop physiologic polycythemia to possess greater stamina.

This condition can also be observed in individuals with emphysema, pulmonary insufficiency and heart failure.

Word origin: poly- » Greek polýs (many) + cyt(o)- » Greek kyto- (container, receptacle, body) + -hemia » New Latin, from Greek -aimiā, from haima (blood).

Alternative form: polycythaemia

Synonyms:

• erythrocytosis
• erythrocythemia
• hypercythemia
• hypererythrocythemia

Compare: anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis.

Related terms:

• Compensatory polycythemia
• Polycythemia rubra
• Polycythemia rubra vera
• Polycythemia vera