2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of ...
What Is The Normal Platelet Count Range Based On Age?
A normal platelet count range can change based on a person's age. Possible reasons platelet counts may fluctuate include natural vascular aging, changes in bone marrow tissue, and altered blood plasma makeup.
Platelets — also known as thrombocytes — are colorless fragments of larger cells called megakaryocytes, commonly found in bone marrow.
The purpose of platelets is to create hemostasis, which is the prevention of hemorrhaging and the process of keeping blood inside the vessel walls.
Platelet count is an important diagnostic tool, measuring the number of platelets per microliter (mcL) of blood. It can help doctors identify potential health complications related to wound healing, bleeding disorders, and blood clotting.
This article discusses platelets in more detail and the expected platelet count based on a person's age.
For years, the general range for adult platelets has been 150,000–450,000 platelets/mcL of blood.
However, a 2014 review suggests platelet counts could change significantly based on a person's age and sex.
The values took data from more than 40,000 inhabitants across seven Italian regions.
While it is unknown if these numbers are representative of all populations, the review authors indicate there have been similar platelet observations in the United States and different African populations:
More recent data from a Swiss 2020 study on an aging population found that platelet count by age remained predominantly stable for females and saw an overall decline for males:
It is not clear why platelet ranges change with age.
A 2016 reviewindicates several factors may contribute to changes in platelet count and function with age, including:
Platelet counts can indicate how the body will respond in situations involving blood clotting. A person can have too many or too few platelets, and each brings potential health complications.
High platelet countThe National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute notes that higher-than-usual platelet counts may indicate thrombocythemia or thrombocytosis.
In thrombocythemia — also known as primary or essential thrombocythemia — a high platelet count is not attributed to another health condition.
Thrombocytosis — also known as reactive or secondary thrombocytosis — is diagnosed when another disease or condition is responsible for a high platelet count.
A high platelet count can create unnecessary blood clots throughout the body, particularly in the hands, brain, and feet.
It may cause bleeding conditions, such as nosebleeds, when unnecessary clots take up resources, and there are not enough free platelets remaining in the bloodstream.
A high platelet count can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack, among other conditions.
Low platelet countWhen a person's platelet count is too low — under 150,000/mcL, by standard guidelines — it may be difficult to stop even minor bleeding anywhere in the body.
This can create symptoms such as:
A low platelet count is known as thrombocytopenia, and it can occur as a result of:
When a person's platelets are below typical levels for an extended period, medications can help increase platelet count or stop the body from destroying its own platelets in the case of autoimmune conditions.
Surgery or a blood or platelet transfusion may be necessary in extreme cases.
Platelets are essential components of blood clotting and wound healing. When the body experiences bleeding, platelets adhere together to create clots and stop blood loss.
The standard counts have remained at the broad range of 150,000–450,000 platelets/mcL of blood. However, evidence suggests the typical range for platelets may vary based on age and gender.
The reasons behind age-related platelet fluctuations are unclear. However, bone marrow changes, vascular aging, and changes in blood composition over time may all affect how many platelets are in the bloodstream.
Foods To Tackle Low Platelet Count In Dengue Patients
Worldwide, there has been a dramatic surge in the incidence of dengue infection, with the number of cases having increased from 5,05,430 cases in 2000 to 50.2 lakh in 2019, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Currently, about half of the world's population is now at risk of dengue, with an estimated 10-40 crore infections occurring each year.
Dengue is a common illness that spreads through the bite of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. It thrives in hot and humid climates, especially during monsoons and has been wreaking havoc in many of the Indian states and cities. Health authorities in different localities have reported several cases of dengue infection and deaths. While symptoms, such as fever, headache, body and joint pain, and swollen glands remain prevalent, low platelet count, also known as thrombocytopenia, is a tell-tale sign of dengue, possibly the most concerning condition associated with the disease.
Also Read: Low Platelet Count Could Be Dengue But Do Not Ignore OTHER Causes
Cause Of Low Platelet Count In Dengue PatientsIdeally, platelet count in a healthy individual ranges from 1.5-4 lakhs. However, dengue fever can bring that count down to around 20-40 thousand. This occurs mainly because of three reasons.
When the platelet count drops rapidly, immediate treatment and medications should be provided to the patient to prevent symptoms from worsening. In addition, making certain dietary changes can also provide support during the recovery process. Here are some foods to include in your diet:
Incorporate Folate And Vitamin B12-Rich FoodsResearch suggests folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies can lead to a decrease in platelet count. Folate, also known as vitamin B, facilitates the healthy production of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and also helps repair damaged blood cells. Vitamin B12 is another B vitamin that helps the body make platelets and other blood cells. Foods rich in folate include spinach, Brussels sprouts, avocado, broccoli, green peas, and kidney beans, whereas vitamin B12 sources include salmon, lean ground meat, egg, clams, and fortified nutritional yeast.
Papaya And PomegranateSpeaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Prof (Dr) SK Jain, Dean Faculty of Medical Sciences, Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU), UP, says "These fruits [papaya and pomegranate] contain vitamins and minerals that support platelet production and increase the count in the body."
A study published in the Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal (IMCJ) suggests that Carica papaya (C. Papaya) leaf extract may prove beneficial for people suffering from Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a blood disorder characterised by a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood.
On the other hand, pomegranate juice is said to reduce inflammation, muscle damage, and increase platelets blood levels in active healthy Tunisian aged men, as per a study published in the Alexandria Journal of Medicine.
Also Read: 7 Health Benefits of Kiwifruit: Increasing Blood Platelets to Improving Skin
Leafy GreensAccording to Dr Jain, foods like spinach and kale are high in vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting and platelet function. Vitamin K is essentially needed for blood clotting and therefore, while it may not increase your platelet count, it may improve platelet function.
Foods Rich In IronIron is an essential mineral that helps produce healthy RBCs. Research has also found that it may increase platelet counts in people suffering from iron-deficiency anaemia. Some of the key food sources include lentils, spinach, kidney beans, sardines, chickpeas, tofu, and nuts.
Drink Plenty Of WaterDr Jain recommends drinking plenty of water to maintain proper blood volume and circulation. Dengue can cause severe dehydration due to fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea, which is why it is essential to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, oral rehydration solutions (ORS), and clear soups, to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol consumption at all cost as it contributes to severe dehydration.
ConclusionIf you've been diagnosed with dengue and have a low platelet count, not only is it essential to rest, but it is also important to eat foods that support your platelet functions. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid severe complications associated with the infection.
Amy Dowden Shares 'frustrating' Health Update While 'in Limbo' For Chemotherapy
Amy is another step closer to her treatment being over! (Picture: Instagram)Amy Dowden has shared that she 'can't wait' to reach a milestone in her treatment for breast cancer after sharing a 'frustrating' health update.
In a post shared on Instagram onm Thursday, the Strictly Come Dancing star revealed that she had been able to have her penultimate round of chemotherapy.
The 33-year-old had previously explained to fans that on Wednesday, her platelet levels were low, and so there was a chance that she wouldn't be able to have her chemo.
However, the next day, she found out that her count had increased enough to allow her to take one step closer to her treatment being over.
Sharing a photo of herself on bed next to a woman named Kim who was also diagnosed with cancer, Amy wrote in her caption: 'Yayyyyy my blood platelets were all good to go for chemo 7 and it was lovely @kiimmbo.6 7th too (a fellow pink sister on a similar journey) for us both next session we should be ringing that chemo bell and I simply cannot wait!
'So good to chat again today all things chemo and breast cancer. The finish line is in sight for us lovely 🎀💖🙏.
'Thanks as always to the incredible Sheldon Unit who always go above and beyond to make us comfortable and happy as can be! Right I'm on the sofa resting up 🙏🎀💖
'Thanks all for crossing everything and for all your well wishes! #welshlove amy xxx #nhs #chemo #mycancerjourney #breastcancerawarenessmonth #breastcanceryoung #nearlythere.'
On Wednesday this week, Amy explained to her fans on Instagram that she was 'in limbo' due to her platelet count.
In a post shared on her Instagram Story, the Strictly star outlined to her followers that she was due to have chemo the following day.
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However, after assessing her blood levels, she was informed by doctors that she needs her platelet count to increase by the morning in order to have the chemo.
Speaking to the camera, the 33-year-old told her fans: 'Frustratingly, my neutrophils, white blood cells are all good but my platelets are too low currently for chemo, which is really frustrating because I feel really well.
'But my doctor said, "Come in on Thursday morning and let's see if they've improved." Otherwise my chemo will have to be delayed by a week, which obviously, I don't really want because I just want to get this over and done with.'
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She continued: 'So I'm in limbo really. I'll go tomorrow, but it's weird because I prepare myself that I'm having chemo but I might not have chemo,' she stated, stressing how she 'builds herself up' and 'braces herself' whenever chemo is approaching.
The star spoke to her fans in videos shared on social media (Picture: Instagram/Amy Dowden) Breast cancer symptomsThe first symptom of breast cancer that most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast.
You should see a GP if you notice any of the following:
Via NHS.
Continuing in further Instagram Story videos, Amy acknowledged that she would feel 'gutted' if she couldn't have chemo and would have to wait another week, especially as she can 'see the finish line'.
For the professional dancer, she feels as though she's been through the 'hardest part' of her treatment, which included losing her hair and not being able to take part in this year's Strictly.
Amy's final round of chemo is due to take place on November 9.
Amy recently delighted fans by returning to this year's Strictly (Picture: BBC)'But it is what it is,' she added, before she expressed her gratitude to 'everybody on the NHS' and her 'amazing oncology team'.
Amy urged her fans to keep their fingers, toes and legs crossed in support for her, while thanking those who have sent her messages of goodwill.
'It means a lot,' she said, before sharing that she'll be watching Halloween Week on this Saturday's Strictly.
Amy announced earlier this year that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The performer underwent a single mastectomy, after which doctors discovered more tumours.
Macmillan cancer supportIf you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
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