I am 71 years old and was diagnosed 8 years ago with a 4.4cm Upper Aortic Aneurysm. I have a CT Scan with contrast every 6 months to a year and it has not grown since. I exercise regularly and agree with all the discussion about recommendations being all over the place. I walk a lot at a pretty brisk pace, use exercise bands, as well as 10, 15 and 20 lb dumbells to do all sorts of exercises. I have used 25 and 30lb dumbells to do incline bench presses. I do pushups on an incline against the kitchen counter and squats with no extra weight using the counter to balance myself a little bit. I never do as many reps as I can possibly do, I just stop when my muscles start to feel tired. Before I knew I had an aneurysm I lifted regularly doing maximum reps to failure and straining a lot. Those days are long gone, and I mean, at 71, what's the point.

As far as lifting goes I think the most important thing is how you breathe. Personally I breathe in through my nose as I prepare to exert myself and out through my mouth as I push or pull of whatever. I think what can cause spikes in BP that doctors warn against has to do with lifting heavy weight and straining, meaning holding your breath as you push or pull. If that's what someone is doing, its probably, (in my opinion) too much weight or too many reps. Also agree with everyone who has said talk to your cardiologist because it varies so much between individuals.

All the best to all of you and God bless you!