Is Polycythemia genetic?

[chrissIN]

My father recently had a heart attack and six months later diagnosed with Polycythemia.  His treatment was blood letting for several months.  Doctors believe this may have been the cause of his heart attack.  I just want to know if this is a genetic related condition and if I (45yr old female, smoker, sedentary, not over-weight, high cholesterol, fatigued) should get tested.

[Cosmogal]

Your welcome! I only had to take insulin while pregnant but I was type 2 diabetic until I had gastric bypass in 2005. There must be a connection. I need to check that out as well. I was on Metformin before my surgery. I am insulin resistant. Everything improved with the weight loss and now I am not on anything and am just fine. Best of luck with your dad.

[chrissIN]

Thank you for the reply!  My dad is indeed a diabetic, not insulin dependant, however, he is required to watch what he eats, needs to eat at certain intervals, and takes medicine.  His diabetes (sp?) was later in life; 50ish.  I wonder if his condition, as well, was caused by his being a diabetic.  I'll have him check it out.  Thank you again for your input!  Have a great day!

[Cosmogal]

Both my babies were both with that. I don't think that its genetic. Mine was cause by my gestational diabetes I had while pregnant. Is he diabetic? I know my babies turned purple easy. They were lucky as it improved after birth. I had to keep having them tested week after week and watched the numbers go down. I wish your dad the best.