relative polycythemia

Relative polycythemia is a condition where there's an abnormal increase in red blood cells and hemoglobin, leading to thicker blood and a higher risk of clots. This can occur due to a loss of blood plasma or insufficient fluid intake, causing a relative increase in red blood cell concentration. Unlike absolute polycythemia, which involves an increase in the total mass of red blood cells, relative polycythemia is often temporary and resolves when the underlying cause, such as dehydration, is addressed. It is distinct from polycythemia vera, a disease where excess red blood cells are produced without a known cause.12