Re: what happens if the platlet count in your blood is high

Dear Ria,

Platelets are continuously produced in the bone marrow by special kinds of 
of cells named megakaryocytes. These Megakaryocytes regulate their 
platelet production by several factors that include the intrinsic basal 
genetic program for this, and soluble molecules that come from the rest of 
the body, which in turn influences the genetic program up or down turning 
it.
When there is an excess in the platelet count there are three basic 
choices: the first is that there is some intrinsic genetic error(i.e. 
mutations) of the megakaryoytes leading to superproduction, the second is 
when some of those soluble molecules which influences the megakaryocytes are 
being overproduced, like in chronic inflammatory diseases (i.e. rheumatoid 
arthritis) and at last, the third possibility is when the destruction of 
the platelets is impaired, which might occur in spleen or hepatic diseases
the average platelet count of a person is approximately from 200.000 to 
300.000 platelets per cubic millimeter.
Hope all is clear. Sincerly,
Vitor