1. < Aortic Aneurysms

am I exercising too much with a 4.3 ascending aortic aneurysm?

Posted by kmailloux @kmailloux, Mar 15, 2023

I am a 60 year old female, who has been very active her whole life. I was a very competitive gymnast, then moved to triathlons, then to cycling and running, strength training has always supported these activities. I am a certified personal trainer, and the aneurysm is a new diagnosis as of Dec of 2022. it was shocking - I now have a heart condition. I ran a marathon 2 weeks after I turned 60. My Cradic surgeon has stated that I can train for a 50k (31 miles) race, as well as a 150 mile bike ride. I have a 50 lb lifting weight limit. My BP is low and I am on no medications. My questions are .. is the activity too much? I run 5-6 days a week plus strength training and biking. I have mild chest pain - all of this has been told to my doc. they keep telling me everything is ok - I am just so nervous about all of this - but want to keep doing what I love. Any input will be appreciated.

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mplopez5 | @mplopez5 | Apr 22 8:50am
In reply to @will3886 "71 yr old Male 185 # Just discovered a 4.5 acceding aneurysm No issue … had..." + (show)
@will3886

71 yr old Male 185 #
Just discovered a 4.5 acceding aneurysm
No issue … had a check up due to my brother’s heart issue with one.
Been tri runner and hiker all my life
Planned on 100 miler on AT
Doc said should ( should!!) be ok but know where nearest ER is if needed !
What to di … or what to not do !!!!
100 miler canceled …. No ER’s on remote trails !
Confused with all the dos and don't !!!!
Thats for all the comments ….
Still trying to figure out and modify hiking or walking distance
I now walk about 6-6 mikes a day …. Before Doctor visit !!

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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.

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1 reply
will3886 | @will3886 | Apr 22 1:39pm
In reply to @mplopez5 "I have two heart docs one is cardo and the other is surgeon. I 63 4.3-4.5..." + (show)
@mplopez5

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.

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Thank you

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upartist | @upartist | Apr 22 4:01pm
In reply to @will3886 "Good info Thank you Glad your doing ok" + (show)
@will3886

Good info
Thank you
Glad your doing ok

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Hi Will3886. I see you got checked because your brother had heart issues? That points towards a possible genetic component to your aneurysm. You need to have that discussion with your cardiologist soon. Some familial TAADs (thoracic aortic aneurysm disease) lead to early dissection. Not all, but some. If you show one of these genetic markers, the algorithm for the timing of repair is altered accordingly. I urge you, with a 4.5, to have this discussion in order to make informed decisions. I to love hiking! I used to run and I get your desire to let loose on those amazing trails! Good luck!!!
UPartist

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1 reply
will3886 | @will3886 | Apr 22 8:17pm
In reply to @upartist "Hi Will3886. I see you got checked because your brother had heart issues? That points towards..." + (show)
@upartist

Hi Will3886. I see you got checked because your brother had heart issues? That points towards a possible genetic component to your aneurysm. You need to have that discussion with your cardiologist soon. Some familial TAADs (thoracic aortic aneurysm disease) lead to early dissection. Not all, but some. If you show one of these genetic markers, the algorithm for the timing of repair is altered accordingly. I urge you, with a 4.5, to have this discussion in order to make informed decisions. I to love hiking! I used to run and I get your desire to let loose on those amazing trails! Good luck!!!
UPartist

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Thanks for the comments
I will have that discussion asap

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