Blood cells called platelets help stop bleeding by the blood clot formation. A platelet count of 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood is normal in adults. Inadequate platelet production by the bone marrow can cause low platelet count. People who have this medical condition can bleed easily and find it hard to stop the bleeding. People with medical disorders, such as autoimmune illness, or those who take certain prescription medications can have thrombocytopenia. In cardiology, the most common cause of a low platelet count is an abnormal immune response caused by drug therapy, especially with the intravenous blood thinner heparin, and rarely with other drugs to control high blood pressure or symptoms of congestive heart failure (diuretics), to regulate your blood clotting (antiplatelet drugs) and to control diabetes (antidiabetic medications).
Common Symptoms of Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia)
Low platelet count is a common problem in patients suffering from cardiology-related diseases. Some of the common symptoms of Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia) are as follows:
- Bleeding of the gum can cause blood to ooze on your toothbrush and puffy-looking gums.
- If there is blood in the stool, it may appear very dark.
- You may have blood in your urine if the toilet water is a pale pink color after you urinate.
- Having blood in your vomit or Hematemesis is a symptom of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Some other symptoms of low platelet count are:
- Heavy menstrual periods: If your periods run longer than seven days or if you are bleeding more heavily than normal, then Menorrhagia may be present.
- Bruises: Bruises appear while blood pools beneath your skin. You may develop bruises more easily than ordinary.
- Purpura: It involves purple, crimson, or brown large spots on your skin. This occurs when small blood vessels below your pores and skin escape blood.
- Petechiae: In this condition, the skin of your lower thighs has little, red, or purple dots.
- Rectal bleeding: You may also be aware of blood in the toilet water or once you wipe up.
FAQ:
When should you see a Cardiology doctor?
Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia) symptoms can occur over the years or in no time. It might also cause blood loss in more than one location of your body. Seek instant medical help if you can see any signs of low platelet count, such as unexpected bleeding or spots that cannot be categorized, you should consult with a doctor.
If you have a fever or other symptoms of infection or if you had a splenectomy, you are at increased risk of infection.
Causes and diseases that lower blood platelet count
- Viral infections such as hepatitis C, HIV, parvovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, varicella (chickenpox), mumps, rubella, and Zika virus can lead to low platelet count.
- Infections caused by parasites and malaria can result in both low platelet count and hemolytic anemia.
- The bacteria Helicobacter pylori and tick-borne infections like brucellosis, leptospirosis, and anaplasmosis are related to low platelet count.
- Sepsis, a severe infection in the body, can result in suppression of bone marrow function.
- Certain cancers which comprise lymphoma and leukaemia can lower your platelet matter. The unusual cells in such cancers can outnumber healthy cells within the bone marrow, where platelets are made.
End Note
Platelets are blood cell components that play a key role in forming blood clots. If a person has a Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia), their blood might not clot appropriately. This can result in symptoms such as blood loss and bruising. Causes of a low platelet count comprise medical conditions and exposure to certain medications and substances, such as quinine and alcohol. Slightly low platelet counts that do not produce symptoms might not require treatment. However, if symptoms are present, treatment might be necessary. Treatment can involve switching medications, decreasing exposure to certain substances, or treating the basic medical condition.
