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When my heart rate goes up, I get a headache and really really hot. What does this mean?

A myMPNteam Member asked a question 💭
Cape Coral, FL
January 11
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A myMPNteam Member

I have been getting thunderclap headaches during sex but no headaches when working out. I workout a lot (weights, spinning, running)

February 19
A myMPNteam Member

@A myMPNteam Member
Good evening Annette,
Another thought—it could be related to something else altogether. If this is something new that you are experiencing, yes, it could be the MPN rearing its ugly head. However, I would also check it out with my primary care people because there are other considerations such as high blood pressure that would need to be ruled out. Do you have any history of hypertension, cardiac problems, migraines, or anything out of the ordinary popping up besides the things you mention?

January 11
A myMPNteam Member

Annette, I experience similar symptoms, especially on hot days. When my heart rate increases, I often also feel intense headaches and sudden hot flashes. For me, these symptoms seem more pronounced in hot weather or when I'm slightly dehydrated.

March 1
A myMPNteam Member

I’ve also had this problem especially at the end when I Finnish if you know what I mean

February 28
myMPNteam

When your heart rate increases and you experience headaches along with feeling very hot, this could be related to your myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN).

In MPNs, thickened blood from overproduction of blood cells can reduce blood flow through small vessels. This decreased circulation can trigger headaches, especially when Show Full Answer

When your heart rate increases and you experience headaches along with feeling very hot, this could be related to your myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN).

In MPNs, thickened blood from overproduction of blood cells can reduce blood flow through small vessels. This decreased circulation can trigger headaches, especially when your body is working harder and your heart rate increases.

The feeling of getting really hot might be connected to:
- Increased blood viscosity (thickness) affecting circulation
- Your body's response to reduced blood flow
- Facial redness, which is a common symptom in polycythemia vera

These symptoms warrant discussion with your hematologist or oncologist. They can evaluate whether your blood counts need better management or if adjustments to your treatment plan might help. Low-dose aspirin, which many people with MPNs take, can sometimes help with these microvascular symptoms by improving blood flow.

It's important to monitor these episodes and note what triggers them, as this information will help your doctor determine the best approach to managing your symptoms.

January 11

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