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Exercise with existing Aneurysm
I’m 71 years old and was diagnosed about 4 years ago as having an aneurysm in the 4cm size range and have it tested annually. So far its size hasn’t changed. I’ve read different things about not lifting heavy weights or overdoing exercises.
I do mostly light weights but have been doing pushups recently. I’ve taken my BP immediately followed a set of these and it runs about 140/80. It goes back to my normal range of 115/70 pretty quickly. Heart rate also goes up to about 100 and then goes back to 65-70 bpm over the same time. Am I OK bringing my BP up to that range given that it goes back down pretty fast? Thanks
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Here's a great video on the subject.
I'm 77M with a 4.6 cm ascending. I go to the gym for resistance training and cardio. But, I do more reps with lighter weight, and never push the last rep or two. In other words, don't strain. Never hold your breath while straining. That was my natural inclination earlier in my life. That creates tremendous pressure on the aortic wall...very dangerous if you have an aneurysm. I don't think pushups are recommended from what I've read...
For cardio, I do a 45 min. low intensity stationary bike, 3 to 4 times a week. You don't really need to push it. You should be able to carry on a conversation.
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Sounds like you're doing great!
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8 ReactionsThat’s so interesting, Dr Prakash is my cardiologist, has been since my aneurysm was discovered and I was getting ready for surgery (repaired 4 1/2 years ago)
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3 ReactionsThanks so much, great info and advice!
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1 ReactionHi Beebo, I am 88 with a dual ascending aneurysm (4.2 & 4.5) and still go to the gym 3 - 4 times a week. It is generally accepted that an aneurysm will grow at 1/3 cm per year and that surgery is not required until 5.5cm. So when I asked my doc if I had 3 years before I go under the knife, he laughed and said I have more than that since I am in very good physical condition. If your aneurysm is stable at 4.0 after 3-4 years, you are doing something very right. The gym regimen followed by georgeh sounds pretty safe to me possibly minus the push-ups.
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3 ReactionsThanks! I appreciate your input.
I am a 72 year old female with a 14mm supraclinoid aneurysm in close contact with a 12 mm Pituitary macroadenoma involving the cavernous sinus.....I hope to have the aneurysm repaired soon however what exercises are recommended in the meantime .... am also suffering with chronic headaches that make me want to pull my hair out. Has anyone else had an aneurysm of this calibre and known for a long time.
@jayner53 , I had a paraclinoid aneurysm, repaired by embolization, two procedures 2 different stents (first one didn’t completely work as expected), just like any aneurysm, the restrictions are the same, nothing that would raise your BP, pretty much what Dr Prakash talks about in the video. In your case I would be even more careful as you aneurysm is very large, I’m glad is getting repaired soon.
BTW there’s a separate forum that deals with brain aneurysms, strokes, etc just like in this forum there are folks there with similar issues as yours, since I had both types of aneurysms I participate in both.
I wish you all the best in your procedure
@jayner53 this is the other forum:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/cerebrovascular-diseases/