Pathophysiology Ron Strauss has smoked for many years and has developed chronic bronchitis. He also has a history of pulmonary hypertension and secondary polycythemia vera. His arterial blood gas...

Pathophysiology

Ron Strauss has smoked for many years and has developed chronic bronchitis. He also has a history of pulmonary hypertension and secondary polycythemia vera. His arterial blood gas (ABG) reveals respiratory acidosis with a PaO2, at 50 mm Hg and a PaCO2, at 60 mm Hg; At this clinic visit, it is noted on his chest x-ray, RS has an enlarged heart and diaphragm flattening.

Why has RS developed secondary polycythemia vera?