New diagnosis of ascending aortic aneurysm and I’m terrified

Try not to think about it. I know it is easier said than done! I have one aorta and one celiac artery aneurysm. I just try to live my life. If it comes to worries I am more worried about my celiac aneurysm, since that needs repair at three cm because that artery is a lot smaller. It is now at 1.3707 and growing very slowly. But I just think if it is my time it is my time. What else can you do?

You mentioned no planking. I do Pilates and we do limited planking. Should I avoid all Planking exercises?

I believe the main issue with ab exercises (same as weight lifting), not only planks, is the fact that we tend to hold our breath while doing them, we do that to aid maintaining the position (planks) or lift our torso in the case of crunches, that effort while holding your breath may cause a rise in BP. If you learn how to properly breathe while doing the exercises I don't think you would have the same problem

Planking, while often considered a beneficial core-strengthening exercise, is not advisable for someone at high risk of aortic dissection. Here's why:

An aortic dissection occurs when the inner layer of the aorta tears, allowing blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall, which can cause life-threatening complications. High-risk patients typically have weakened or dilated aortic walls due to conditions like hypertension, connective tissue disorders (e.g., Marfan syndrome), or previous aortic surgeries.

Planking exerts significant strain on your core muscles, leading to increased intra-abdominal pressure. This, in turn, can cause a spike in blood pressure, which puts added stress on the already compromised aortic wall. Any sudden or sustained elevation in blood pressure can increase the risk of dissection by amplifying the force against the weakened aorta.

Additionally, the isometric nature of planking, which involves holding your breath while straining (a Valsalva maneuver), can further elevate pressure inside your chest and blood vessels, further escalating the risk.

To minimize the risk of aortic dissection, it’s crucial to avoid exercises that cause sudden increases in blood pressure or require holding your breath while exerting force. It would be safer to engage in low-impact, controlled exercises, focusing on maintaining a steady heart rate and avoiding abrupt strain. Always consult with your cardiologist or a specialist to tailor a safe exercise regimen that suits your condition, but I cannot imagine they would ever advise you that planking is okay given your condition. Peace.

My ascending aortic aneurysm was discovered back in 2010. I can’t remember the size now, but it is closer to 4 cm than 5 cm. I have had periodic checks on its size and it has stayed around the same since then. So, it has not presented a problem in about 14 years that the doctors and I have been aware of it.

In the meantime, I was diagnosed with Melanoma cancer (Stage 4) five years ago. My PET scans showed spots scattered around my body. However with my Keytruda treatment, my last PET scan did not show up a single spot of cancer.

So, while you may worry about your aneurysm, other things can develop which may be a lot more troublesome. But even so … even those can be managed, too.

As long as it’s not advancing, just do what the doctor tells you, and you should be okay.

Glad to hear you're a cancer survivor. I am an ascending aorta dissection survivor. An AAA should be carefully watched and managed with controlled blood pressure and an elimination of unnecessary risks. In particular, planking and any valsalva maneuver exercises like deadlifts should be avoided at all costs. Deadlifting can cause an aortic dissection due to the extreme rise in blood pressure during the lift. The intense strain required can put enormous pressure on the aorta, potentially causing a tear in its wall, especially if there’s an underlying weakness. Some Olympic weightlifters have suffered dissections from the high demands of deadlifting heavy weights, particularly if they had pre-existing conditions like hypertension or connective tissue disorders.

Planking, though less intense, can also be risky. Prolonged holds can elevate blood pressure and strain the core muscles, indirectly increasing stress on the aorta, particularly in individuals with risk factors for dissection. While planking is generally safe, it’s essential to be mindful of your body’s limits, especially if you have cardiovascular concerns. Peace.

Thank you so very much! I’m sorry about the melanoma but glad the
medication got it under control. 14 years is wonderful for having a slowed
to non-growing aorta and I hope I have your same good fortune I guess I’ll
have a better handle on things each time they measure it. I’m just so new
to all of this. I don’t know on my six month check up in January if it
could jump from a four to a five.I’m sure that’s probably not possible.
Anyway, thank you again. It is reassuring to hear that you’ve maintained
stability all of these years. Sincerely Melanie.

My Abdominal aorta aneurysm is it 5.2CM.. My doctor at Mayo Clinic said I shouldn’t wait two years to have the surgery . Think about it every day. Wish I had some good advice because I don’t know if I’m gonna have the surgery or not. Good luck .. I’m not feeling comfortable about surgery at all, but I also don’t want to leave this world yet. It’s such a hard decision for me. Talk to a doctor. I don’t think your aneurysm is at the scary point yet. At least that’s what my impression was when I researched it and also got advice from the doctor.. I I’m not feeling comfortable about surgery at all, but I also don’t want to leave this world yet. It’s such a hard decision for me. Talk to a doctor. I don’t think you’re aneurysm is at the scary point yet. I was told I shouldn’t live any more than 10 pounds.. That’s about all was told

If it's any help, I had an ascending aneurysm of 5.4cm and the decision was easy. I was in good shape prior to the surgery and at ~7 months post surgery, I am pretty much back to normal. So get it done and don't fret, after this little hiccup you will be back at it once again.

Was your aorta valve okay . If not did you a mechanical or tissue vave.