Effects of High Blood Platelet Count
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Linda
Posted on: October 18, 2004

I had my spleen removed 20 years ago. Everytime I have had a blood test taken the result is 500,000 to 700,000. What is the long term effect of this elevated platelet count?

The function of blood platelets is to clump together to heal injured blood cells. The normal platelet count is 150,000 to 350,000 per ml. An increased platelet count may be caused by removal of the spleen (the spleen is responsible for removing old and damaged platelets), and is also a sign of an advanced cancer.

The risks of a high platelet count are the formation of blood clots inside a blood vessel, and bleeding disorders, because when there is an excess of platelets, there are often a large number of malfunctioning platelets – those that cannot perform their function of clotting the blood.

I recommend that you consult with a medical or clinical herbalist or a naturopath who is experienced in working with similar blood disorders. From this consultation and assessment, you will likely be given herbal and dietary recommendations for nourishing the blood and optimizing the function of the liver, the kidneys, the immune system and blood circulation. It is important that you also keep in touch with your hematologist.

Back to Medicinal Herbs and Their Uses | Q & A Index

Copyright © 1997-2024 Otto Richter and Sons Limited. All rights reserved.