Polycythaemia vera Health Dictionary

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Polycythaemia Vera: From 1 Different Sources

(polycythaemia rubra vera, Vaquez–Osler disease) a disease in which the number of red cells in the blood is greatly increased (see also polycythaemia). There is often also an increase in the numbers of white blood cells and platelets. Symptoms include headache, thromboses, *cyanosis, *plethora, and itching. Polycythaemia vera may be treated by blood-letting, but more severe cases may need to be treated with cytotoxic drugs. The cause of the disease is not known.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Polycythaemia

A rise in the amount of HAEMOGLOBIN in the blood. This may be caused by an excess in the number of ERYTHROCYTES produced in the BONE MARROW or to a fall in the total volume of PLASMA in the circulatory system. It may also be a response to reduced oxygen levels – for example, among people living at high altitudes – or to liver or kidney disease: this type is called secondary polycythaemia.

The disorder may, however, occur for no obvious reason and is then called polycythaemia vera. This type develops mainly in people over 40 and about 400 people develop the disorder every year in the United Kingdom. The blood thickens, the sufferer may develop high blood pressure, ?ushing, headaches, itching and an enlarged spleen. A stroke may occur later in the disease process. Treatment of polycythaemia vera is by regular removal of blood by VENESECTION, sometimes in combination with an anticancer drug. Secondary polycythaemia is treated by remedying the underlying cause.

Polycythaemia rubra vera A disorder in which the red blood cells increase in number along with an increase in the number of white blood cells and platelets. The cause is unknown. Severe cases may require treatment with CYTOTOXIC drugs or RADIOTHERAPY.... polycythaemia

Verapamil

Verapamil is a drug used in the treatment of HYPERTENSION, disordered rhythms of the heart, and ANGINA PECTORIS. The drug is one of the CALCIUM-CHANNEL BLOCKERS and acts by reducing cardiac output and slowing the heart rate. It may, however, precipitate heart failure, cause HYPOTENSION and aggravate conduction problems in the heart, so should be prescribed with care. It should not be used with BETA-ADRENOCEPTOR-BLOCKING DRUGS.... verapamil

Aloe Vera

See Sábila.... aloe vera

Vera

(Latin / Slavic) The truth / one with faith

Verah, Veera, Verra, Viera, Vira, Veira, Vyra, Vere, Vara, Verla, Verka, Verasha, Vjera... vera

Pistacia Vera

Linn.

Family: Anacardiaceae.

Habitat: Native to eastern Mediterranean region, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asian countries; cultivated in North India.

English: Pistachio, Green Almond.

Ayurvedic: Mukuulaka.

Unani: Pistaa (Kernel), Ilk-ul- Ambaat (resin).

Action: The kernel is used as a cardiac and brain tonic; flowers are included in prescriptions for leucorrhoea; husk is used against dysentery and as astringent in stomatitis and tonsillitis.... pistacia vera

Veradis

(Latin) One who is genuine; truthful

Veradise, Veradys, Veradisa, Verdissa, Veradysa, Veradyssa, Veradisia, Veraditia... veradis

Veratrum Viride

Ait.

Habitat: The temperate regions of northern hemisphere; introduced in Jammu and Kashmir for cultivation.

English: American Hellbore, Green Hellebore.

Action: Rhizomes and roots— cardiac depressant, hypotensive. (Contraindicated in cardiac disease. Large doses cause bradycardia.) Used in the treatment of convulsions, headache, neuralgia, inflammatory affections of respiratory tract; and as sedative. Formerly used for high blood pressure, especially associated with toxemia of pregnancy.

Ceveratrum-type alkaloids, found as esters, are hypotensive and cause vasodilatation (probably by inhibition of vasomotor centre and stimulation of the vagus). Overdoses cause vomiting. Alkaloids are teratogenic.... veratrum viride

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