Mr. Quynh was undergoing treatment for diabetes, dyslipidemia, coronary artery stenosis, and elevated liver enzymes. Recently, he experienced persistent nosebleeds. After taking several "stroke prevention" dietary supplements purchased online without improvement, he visited Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, for an examination.

Dr. Tran Thi Thanh Truc, Head of the General Internal Medicine Department at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, reported that Mr. Quynh's blood pressure was normal, with no signs of infection or acute hemorrhage. However, blood tests revealed an increased red blood cell count and slightly decreased platelets. Additionally, both blood sugar and HbA1c levels were at 7.71%, and liver enzymes were elevated, indicating poor diabetes control.

Bone marrow aspiration results showed normal cell density but proliferation of the red blood cell lineage. Hematology tests noted red blood cells of various sizes and shapes, leading doctors to diagnose the patient with polycythemia.

Polycythemia is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder causing the body to produce an excessive number of red blood cells, resulting in thicker blood. This increased blood viscosity slows circulation, significantly raising the risk of blood clot formation in arteries or veins. Patients face potential severe complications: myocardial infarction, stroke, limb artery occlusion, pulmonary embolism, or hemorrhage.

The patient is receiving medication to control blood cell proliferation and reduce the risk of blood clot formation, with regular follow-up appointments scheduled.

Dr. Truc explains to Mr. Quynh the consequences of using dietary supplements without proper medical indication. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Common symptoms of increased red blood cells include: headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, facial redness, itching after hot baths, blurred vision, numbness in extremities, or nosebleeds and bleeding gums. Patients experiencing these signs or abnormal test results should seek medical attention for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Mr. Quynh is undergoing monthly follow-up to allow doctors to determine the underlying cause of his polycythemia.

Doctors advise patients to fully disclose all medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies they are using during medical consultations. Patients should not self-medicate with numerous products advertised for "stroke prevention" without a doctor's prescription. Unverified medications can increase the risk of drug interactions, complicating treatment effectiveness monitoring and disease assessment.

Nhat Thanh

*Patient's name has been changed