It’s a tough question to answer because it’s all about whether or not you want to risk being out in the middle of nowhere when you’re Aorta dissects. if it were me, I would stop running and get the earliest surgical appointment to have open-heart surgery to get it repaired. Given the fact that you are 71, you are in great shape, I think that the surgery is worth it. It is much easier to deal with in a non-emergent situation Like you have right now. If your aorta blows, you’re not likely to survive it if you are not in an emergency room or very very very close to one. If you are in Rochester across the street from Mayo, you’ve got a chance. If you are in the suburbs and an hour from the nearest High-end cardiac center. Well, I think your chances are pretty low. I have had an emergency full dissection in San Diego California in 2015. I was 50 years old and overweight and hypertensive. It was an absolute personal and professional disaster. Most people who survive a complete dissection , which is a very small percentage, never go back to work. I can tell you that almost 9 years out I think about it every day and I make an effort to be extra kind to my wife and kids who suffered terribly in that experience. If you are a single person and you’ve got all of your will, power of attorney and healthcare directives put together than I guess you should do whatever makes you happiest. But, if you are married and have a family, which you love, I think it would be Whoo you to think seriously about having corrective surgery at if you’re re a candidate. I am very glad that I survived, but never a day passes where I don’t think about the fact that I am incredibly lucky to have made it. I was in a major metropolitan area on a quiet evening, where the on-call surgeon had 40 years of experience. You might not be that lucky so I really, encourage you to think about what’s important to you. If running is the only thing that matters, then I guess you run. But if you have other things that takes precedent in your life it may be time to slow down. I’d be happy to talk with you directly if you want to email me your contact information. Pete pbarry@lawpoint.com

I am Female, age 79. I have an ascending aortic aneurysm, diagnosed in 2007 at 3.8. It is now 4.2. These things are often slow growing. My only exercise limitation has been to lift no more than 25 lbs.

I believe the aneurysm is considered for surgery when it is in the 5 to 6 cm range. This surgery is huge and the surgery itself has risks. I would not consider pushing for surgery before the aneurysm has become life threatening.

I personally think being near an ER is wishful thinking. I understand if the aneurysm is going to burst, that is the end. But the likelihood of it bursting before it gets in the 5 to 6 cm range is rare.

I suggest doing some on-line research at NIH, Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, Cornell Weill websites and then making another appointment with your cardio to discuss your questions and personal situation.

I have two heart docs one is cardo and the other is surgeon. I 63 4.3-4.5 depending on test. Other than proper breathing when lifting live a normal life. Not saying it is ok to be power lifter but exercise diet and keep BP low. If you must ask doc for statin and b pressure med start low doses. This is the best you can do…..maybe it grows maybe not. My doc told me I may never need surgery.