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What happens when your body is low on platelets?
When you don’t have enough platelets in your blood, your body can’t form clots. A low platelet count may also be called thrombocytopenia. This condition can range from mild to severe, depending on its underlying cause. For some, the symptoms can include severe bleeding and are possibly fatal if they’re not treated.
Does high platelet count cause blood clots?
A high platelet count can cause blood clots to develop spontaneously. Normally, your blood begins to clot to prevent a massive loss of blood after an injury. In people with primary thrombocythemia, however, blood clots can form suddenly and for no apparent reason. Abnormal blood clotting can be dangerous.
What are platelets and why are they important?
Platelets are tiny cells in your blood that form clots and stop bleeding. For millions of Americans, they are essential to surviving and fighting cancer, chronic diseases, and traumatic injuries. Every 15 seconds someone needs platelets. Platelets must be used within five days and new donors are needed every day. That’s why we need you.
What is the main function of platelets?
Unlike red and white blood cells, platelets are not actually cells but rather small fragments of cells. Platelets help the blood clotting process (or coagulation) by gathering at the site of an injury, sticking to the lining of the injured blood vessel, and forming a platform on which blood coagulation can occur.
What level of platelets is dangerous?
Platelet count: In an adult, a normal count is about 150, 000 to 450, 000 platelets per microliter of blood.If platelet levels fall below 20, 000 per microliter, spontaneous bleeding may occur and is considered a life-threatening risk.
What would cause large platelets?
Living in high altitudes, strenuous exercise, and having recently delivered a baby (post partum) may cause increased platelet numbers. Drugs that may cause increased platelet counts include estrogen and birth control pills (oral contraceptives). Mildly decreased platelet counts may be seen in women before menstruation.