I have had polycythemia vera my entire life. My mother had it, and her father had it. My brother also has it, as well as two of my five children. For us, it clearly is inherited. The over production of blood was usually released through nosebleeds - as explained to us the nose vessel is the weakest in the body. I am 58 years old and have never been told that my life expectency was limited - Wow!! Precautionary measures, yes. Donating blood every three months or so is a good thing. For me, as a women, I suffered heavy menstruals that my body used to release the excess blood production. An aspirin a day keeps the blood thin to avoid clotting - don't combine this with other thinners like Omegas. We already have a problem with getting the blood to stop flowing once it gets started without compounding it with too thin of blood. And you will notice that one of you collar bones will prominently protrude as you get older. Avoid Iron supplements which will only increase blood to life threatening levels - well water? make sure it is not iron rich.
thank you for your response, it is a little over whelming. I am getting blood taken every week until it comes down and daily asa81 tx at present time.
Your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells. The biggest risk of this blood disorder is developing clots. There is no cure; it is only managed.
Bloodletting (withdrawing blood), low-dose aspirin, interferon medication, etc. are some treatments that are used.