A platelet count of 70,000 (normal range 150,000–450,000) is called mild–moderate thrombocytopenia.
Many people with this level feel completely normal, exactly like your father, and have no bleeding symptoms.
But this level needs evaluation to find the cause, because platelets should not stay low for long without understanding why.
Most Common Causes (Especially in Older Adults)
1. Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
The body’s immune system destroys platelets.
Very common cause, often without symptoms.
2. Chronic
Liver Disease or Fatty Liver
Liver problems reduce platelet production.
Ultrasound abdomen can help rule this out.
3. Enlarged Spleen (Hypersplenism)
Spleen “traps” platelets, leading to low levels.
4.
Vitamin Deficiencies
•
Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Folate deficiency
Both are very common in elderly.
5. Long-standing infections
Such as:
• Viral infections (Hepatitis B, Hep C,
HIV)
• Post-infectious conditions
6. Bone-marrow related issues
Less common but important to check in older age:
• Myelodysplastic syndrome
• Aplastic bone marrow changes
7. Medicines
Some drugs cause low platelets:
• Painkillers (naproxen, diclofenac)
• Antibiotics
• Blood-thinners
• Antiepileptics
• Cardiac medicines (rare)
If the platelet count is stable around 70,000 for a long time and no bleeding, it usually indicates a chronic, non-dangerous cause.
Next Steps
Recommended Evaluation
To identify the exact cause, doctors usually do the following tests:
CBC with peripheral smear-
To check platelet appearance and bone marrow signals.
Liver function test (
LFT)-To rule out liver-related causes.
Vitamin B12 and Folate levels-Low levels can drop platelets significantly.
Ultrasound abdomenTo check liver and spleen size.
Viral markers (Hepatitis B, Hep C,
HIV)
Only if required.
Bone marrow test
Only if platelet count keeps dropping, or smear shows suspicious changes.
(Not needed routinely.)
Health Tips
Your father’s platelet count of 70,000 is low, but it is common for people with this count to feel completely normal. The cause can be
vitamin deficiency, mild
liver issue, spleen enlargement, immune-related platelet destruction, or bone marrow changes. Most of these are treatable once we check a few blood tests and an ultrasound. As long as his platelets stay above 50,000 and he has no bleeding, it is usually not dangerous. A proper evaluation will help identify the exact cause and guide the right management.