Are there other reasons a person might have a larger aorta?

I haven’t been able to find a ton of specific, consistent guidelines on what I can do and not do with my thoracic aneurysm. One of the few consistencies is to avoid spikes in blood pressure, especially the valsalva (grunting) maneuver when lifting weights. That is an absolute no-no. I got that direction when I was diagnosed five years ago, at 4.2 cm. I don’t know if that would apply to you at 4.0. I imagine that’s why your new doc is concerned.

I had the same explanation from my Cardiologist before my AAA repair, aneurysms and bicuspid valves are one of his areas of focus, his comment was to avoid any exercise that would normaly cause me to hold my breath while making a big effort, those holds are ususally involuntary, he said people tend to hold their breaths when doing bench presses and crunches for example. The issue is that during those grunts and breath holds your BP spikes significantly for a few moments

I’m 62 and just found out I have a 4.4 aortic “root” which was normal size 14 months ago. I lift weights 3 times a week alternate mountain bike combined 6 days a week for an hour. I don’t lift extremely heavy on chest and shoulders because of my shoulder joints are jacked from other sports. My arteries are 0-25 percentile. I have plaque but it doesn’t appear to be my issue. My issue appears to be blood pressure ranges 127/77 to 160/95 + I have sleep apnea. I use a CPAP. + I consume too much sugar….otherwise diet is fine. I am 5”11 213 which is considered obese. I went to the top aorta surgeon in my state and i have mayo cardio doc. Surgeon indicates watch and scan every six months but lift and workout at will. My cardio doc indicates the same. I’m on low dose staten and blood pressure. The surgeon asked me to start taking beta blocker. I haven’t started taking….don’t want to feel like crap tired sleepy etc. oh and he suggested losing 15-20 pounds. I would love to be at 190 to 195. I haven’t been below 200 since I was 18. I could lose 20 and look great but my body fat is already at 14-16%. Any thoughts on beta blocker .? Or lifting - correct breathing is important to cause least possible pressure. Some mentioned specific breathing concern ~ what not to do. .? Also sugar. I am addicted. I can not break the habit of eating an ice cream bar or two before bed or if nothing in the fridge because my cupboards are bare to help avoid sugar I will find some sweet ….use imagination. I am open for advise criticism whatever.

Mine dissected at 4.5. I had emergency surgery. No lifting l, pulling, pushing, that causes me to hold my breath, grunt groan or that I can’t do in repetitions. Keep your blood pressure low. That’s the best I can tell you. I was lifting a bookcase up 12 steps when mine dissected. I’m in good shape, no illnesses, no smoking, bike, walk, swim, ride horses and jet ski. I’m 70.

Hi! I didn’t have AAA but had descending aorta repaired- @mplopez5 I have been on a beta blocker for almost 5 years now- metoprolol- I have no issues with it. I was taking 2 times a day- recently switched to the long acting once a day. But I feel the benefits far outweigh the side effects. It is not only for bp control- there is a reason for the beta blocker and its effects on the artery. Try taking it- there are others you can try if
The one prescribed doesn’t work well for you. Best wishes to everyone!

You can break your sugar addiction... (and I think you have to or this or other things will not end well) you don't say what your A1C is or your fasting glucose number is. Sounds like you're working out enough to keep body fat in check. But sugar does a lot more than make us fat. I would strongly encourage you to explore that issue more deeply and take the sugar addiction more seriously.

I agree completely re: sugar elimination. I had a complete emergency dissection in 2015 at 50 years old. Uncontrolled hypertension, too much work, obesity, and stress as a trial lawyer. Eliminate all sugar except for reasonable amounts of fresh fruit like grapes and apples. Eliminate the stress. Get good sleep. Follow your thoracic surgeon/cardiologist's advice. REDUCE your blood pressure. You aorta is no different than a car's heater hose: too much pressure and it will split. Once it does, there is usually not enough time to get in there and fix it before it's too late. A complete aortic dissection is a real personal and professional disaster. I know. If you like sugar, look at the comatose picture of me below. I really liked sugar too. Not so much anymore. All the ice cream in the world doesn't make up for what I put my family through.

Thank you, I will start them. They are in my office on my desk so I have to make a conscious decision every days.

I know you’re right. It is the hardest thing I have needed to do. My A1 is 5.3

A picture is worth a thousand words. Thank you for taking the time tk respond. This is an awesome forum. I have felt along with this. Thank you all very much