Which of the following is a symptom of Polycythemia Vera?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hypotension
• C. Edema
• D. Nausea

Answer: (A)

Polycythemia Vera increases red cell mass, which makes the blood thicker (hyperviscosity) and often expands circulating volume. That extra viscosity and volume can raise systemic vascular resistance and strain the circulation, so elevated blood pressure can be seen as a vascular manifestation in PV. While PV commonly causes headaches, dizziness, visual disturbances, and an intense red or plethoric appearance, hypertension reflects the vascular impact of the disease rather than a nonspecific symptom like nausea or fluid retention that’s more typical of other conditions. Hypotension is not characteristic of PV, and edema or nausea aren’t defining PV symptoms, though they can occur for other reasons.