What lifestyle modifications should I recommend to patients with Polycythaemia Vera to reduce their risk of complications?

Lifestyle modifications for patients with Polycythaemia Vera to reduce their risk of complications include:

• Encourage smoking cessation to improve hypoxia and reduce haematocrit levels, as smoking can worsen erythrocytosis and increase thrombosis risk.
• Manage cardiovascular risk factors aggressively, including controlling hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidaemia, as these increase the risk of thrombotic complications.
• Advise a healthy diet consistent with cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines, such as reducing saturated fat intake and increasing mono- and polyunsaturated fats.
• Promote regular physical activity tailored to the patient's capacity to improve cardiovascular health and reduce thrombosis risk.
• Provide patient education about the condition, its risks, and the importance of adherence to treatment and lifestyle changes.

These lifestyle changes should be part of a comprehensive management plan including venesection and pharmacological therapy as indicated.

References: Smoking cessation and hypoxia management are important to reduce haematocrit and thrombosis risk NICE CKS,NICE CKS. Cardiovascular risk factors should be managed according to NICE CVD risk guidelines NICE CKS,NICE CKS,NICE NG238. Dietary and physical activity advice aligns with cardiovascular prevention recommendations NICE NG238. Patient education is recommended to improve understanding and adherence NICE CKS,NICE CKS.