RESUMO
Pseudopolycythemia is a situation in which a raised concentration of hemoglobin in circulating blood, with a red cell mass within normal range, while the plasma volume may be reduced in the absence of overt fluid loss. Relative, apparent, stress, or spurious polycythemia are commonly used synonyms for the same condition. It has been emphasized the association of pseudopolycythemia with hypertension, obesity, stress, and heavy cigarette smoking, especially in middle-aged men. We experienced 3 cases of pseudopolycythemia with several risk factors. They had complained of mild exertional dyspnea, palpitation, dizziness, and paresthesia of extremities. These symptoms were successfully relieved by stress reduction, stopping of smoking, and abstaining from drinking.