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)

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.

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)

Thank you

upartist | @upartist | Apr 22 4:01pm

In reply to @will3886 "Good info Thank you Glad your doing ok" + (show)

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

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)

Thanks for the comments
I will have that discussion asap

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