Final answer:
Polycythemia vera is a bone marrow disorder that causes excessive immature erythrocyte production and is associated with a JAK2 mutation, whereas secondary polycythemia arises from environmental factors and other non-marrow related causes. Both conditions lead to increased red blood cell counts but are differentiated by their etiologies and diagnostic markers.
Step-by-step explanation:
To distinguish between polycythemia vera and secondary polycythemia, it's essential to understand their respective causes and characteristics. Polycythemia vera is a rare, chronic bone marrow disease leading to excessive production of immature erythrocytes, while secondary polycythemia is often a response to external factors such as living at high altitudes or conditions leading to low oxygen availability.
Key diagnostic differences include examining the presence of a JAK2 mutation, which is often associated with polycythemia vera. Secondary polycythemia does not involve this mutation and is usually attributed to factors like dehydration, living at high altitudes, chronic lung disease, or inappropriate secretion of erythropoietin. Elevated red blood cell counts, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrit are common to both, but the cause behind these elevations is different.
In terms of risk factors, polycythemia vera is more likely in males, and prevalence increases with age. Concerns associated with polycythemia include increased blood viscosity, which can lead to high blood pressure and make it more challenging for the heart to circulate blood, potentially resulting in various health complications.