What Is a High Platelet Count?
Platelets are cells that are produced by bone marrow and released into the bloodstream. Their primary function is to release the hormones necessary to coagulate blood, preventing excessive blood loss from an internal or external injury. A normal platelet count for most humans is 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood, and having a higher than average count can be indicative of serious health problems. A high platelet count can be caused by cancer, infections, anemia, and inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. A high platelet count can lead to excessive, dangerous blood clotting if left untreated.
