How Alcohol Impacts PV
PV is a part of a gaggle of uncommon continual blood cancers referred to as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Whereas robust scientific proof has linked alcohol consumption to an elevated threat for a number of cancers, MPNs will not be amongst them.
Consuming alcohol can, although, worsen PV signs and result in problems in some individuals.
“Some sufferers discover that alcohol can set off or worsen complications, flushing, dizziness, or itching,” says Dr. Gerds. “The impression varies significantly from individual to individual. Some people discover no distinction, whereas others discover that even small quantities can worsen signs.”
Alcohol and Blood Clot Danger
Alcohol is a diuretic and may contribute to dehydration, which amplifies the already excessive threat of blood clots that you’ve got with PV.
This most cancers causes your physique to make too many crimson blood cells, so your blood thickens and would not move correctly. This may result in the formation of blood clots inside your veins or arteries. A clot can then block blood move, inflicting a coronary heart assault, stroke, or pulmonary embolism.
Dehydration doesn’t change your variety of crimson blood cells, nevertheless it reduces the quantity of liquid in your blood, so it turns into extra concentrated and thicker.
“Whereas reasonable alcohol consumption has not been proven to particularly enhance clotting threat in PV, heavy alcohol use can contribute to dehydration and different well being points that will negatively have an effect on total cardiovascular well being,” Gerds says.
