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 ¹,². Cardiovascular risk factors should be managed according to NICE CVD risk guidelines ¹,²,³. Dietary and physical activity advice aligns with cardiovascular prevention recommendations ³. Patient education is recommended to improve understanding and adherence ¹,².