What is thrombocytosis?

Thrombocytosis is a medical condition characterized by an elevated platelet count in the blood, typically defined as having more than 450,000 platelets per microliter. It can be classified as primary (essential thrombocythemia) or secondary, often resulting from underlying conditions such as inflammation, infection, or iron deficiency anemia. While mild cases may not cause symptoms, severe thrombocytosis can increase the risk of blood clots, leading to complications such as stroke or heart attack. Diagnosis usually involves blood tests and assessment of any underlying causes.