High Platelets: Symptoms

What other symptoms might occur with high platelets?

High platelets may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. However, some people who have high platelets may not experience any other symptoms. In these individuals, high platelets may only be detected through routine blood tests.

People with primary thrombocythemia have a higher risk of bleeding and blood clots than those with secondary thrombocytosis.

General symptoms that may occur along with high platelets

Generalized symptoms that may occur with high platelets include:

• Bleeding
• Headache
• Numbness of hands or feet
• Weakness

Bleeding symptoms that may occur along with high platelets

Symptoms of abnormal bleeding include:

• Bleeding in mouth or gums
• Bloody stool (the blood may be red, black, or tarry in texture)
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Nosebleeds

Blood-clotting symptoms that may occur along with high platelets

The extremities and the brain are common sites for blood clot formation with high platelets. Clots can also form in other organs. Blood clots in the placenta often cause pregnancy loss in pregnant women with primary thrombocythemia. Signs and symptoms of blood clotting, which may be serious or even life threatening, can include:

• Changes in speech
• Confusion or loss of consciousness for even a brief moment
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Intense burning and throbbing pain in arms or legs
• Nausea
• Pain in the jaw, abdomen or neck
• Seizures

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, high platelets may accompany symptoms of blood clotting, which may cause a life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these potentially life-threatening symptoms including:

• Confusion or loss of consciousness for even a brief moment
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Persistent headache
• Seizures
• Shortness of breath
• Slurred speech