Safe exercises for polycythemia vera
Fact-checked by Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic, slow-growing blood cancer that causes your body to produce too many blood cells, especially red blood cells. This can make your blood thicker than normal, increasing your risk of blood clots and other complications.
While PV treatments can help control blood cell counts and reduce the risk of complications, staying physically active is also an important part of managing your overall health.
Regular exercise supports your cardiovascular health and overall fitness, and it may also ease certain PV symptoms, such as fatigue, and improve your mood and overall well-being.
However, the type and intensity of exercise should be tailored to your symptoms and overall health, as some activities may not be appropriate if you have certain symptoms.
Why physical activity matters
If you have been diagnosed with PV, taking care of your cardiovascular health is an important part of lowering your risk of blood clots.
Regular exercise may support your cardiovascular health in several ways, including by:
- lowering your blood pressure and supporting healthy blood vessels
- improving circulation and helping to keep blood flowing throughout your body
- supporting your body’s natural ability to break down blood clots, a process called fibrinolysis
- improving your overall cardiovascular health
Living with PV can make it harder to stay active. Symptoms such as fatigue, an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), dizziness, and excessive bleeding and bruising may make exercise more challenging or require adaptations to make it safer.
For example, because the spleen is more vulnerable to injury when enlarged, activities with a high risk of falls, blows to the abdomen, or heavy straining should generally be avoided. If you have bleeding problems or bruise easily, your healthcare team also may recommend avoiding contact sports or other activities that increase your risk of injury.
Despite these challenges, staying active may provide several benefits. In addition to supporting your cardiovascular health and helping lower your risk of blood clots, regular exercise may also help ease fatigue and other symptoms of PV.
Starting slowly, exercising with a partner, and avoiding high-impact or contact activities may help you stay active more safely. Before beginning a new exercise routine, talk with your healthcare team about activities that are appropriate for you.
Recommended low-impact exercises
Low- to moderate-intensity exercise is generally encouraged for those with PV. However, vigorous exercise may not be appropriate for everyone. Your healthcare provider may recommend modifying or avoiding certain activities if you have splenomegaly, significant fatigue, dizziness, or certain cardiovascular risk factors.
Some low-impact exercises for PV that you may want to include in your routine include the following:
- Yoga or tai chi: These gentle activities may improve flexibility, balance, strength, and circulation while also helping reduce stress.
- Low-impact cardio: Walking, biking, using an elliptical machine, rowing, swimming, or water aerobics can support cardiovascular health. If you experience aquagenic pruritus, or water-triggered itching, you may find water-based exercise uncomfortable, but some people report improvements in this symptom with water exercises.
- Strength training: If you have splenomegaly or balance problems, body-weight exercises or weight machines may be safer than free weights because they may lower your risk of falls or injury.
The best exercise routine is one that you can do consistently and safely. Your healthcare team can help you decide which activities best fit your symptoms, physical abilities, and overall health.
Key precautions during workouts
Taking a few extra precautions before and during exercise may help you stay active more safely while living with PV. Paying attention to how your body feels and adjusting your routine when needed may help you exercise more safely.
To stay safe during physical activity with PV, consider the following strategies:
- Exercise with a partner: Work out with a friend or in a group, especially if you often become dizzy or lightheaded.
- Stay hydrated: Drink fluids before, during, and after exercise to replace fluids lost through sweating and to support healthy blood flow.
- Avoid itching triggers: Limit activities that worsen your symptoms, such as prolonged sun exposure or water-based exercise if these trigger itching.
- Choose safer activities: Stick with low-impact exercise, and avoid contact sports or activities with a high risk of falls or abdominal injuries, particularly if you have an enlarged spleen.
- Increase activity gradually: Build up your exercise routine slowly, especially if you have not exercised regularly.
- Listen to your body: Adjust your activity level based on your symptoms, and consider gentle movement on days when fatigue is worse.
- Know when to seek help: Stop exercising and seek medical care right away if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, severe dizziness, or other signs of a blood clot.
Everyone’s experience with PV is different, so the right exercise routine may look different from one person to another. Working with your healthcare team can help you develop an exercise routine that supports your health while fitting your individual needs.
Rare Cancer News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
