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Level Physical activity with a 4.3 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Posted by ksmkj @ksmkj, 5 hours ago

I was recently diagnosed with a 4.3 TAA. This was discovered during an annual check up with my Cardiologist. I was diagnosed with minor Mitral Valve Regurgitation in 2021. My TAA was found during an Echo and confirmed with a CT scan. Doctor doesn’t seem overly concerned at this point and wants to see me yearly. Prior to finding the TAA is was an avid competitive bike rider and racer. Since the diagnosis I have stopped riding. I assume high heart rates and exertion that come with bike riding could be a problem for me. If I start riding again, is there a target HR is should stay under? Say 140? Or should I just avoid any increased and sustained increase in my HR.

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moonboy | @moonboy | 4 hours ago

I am not a doctor, but I am a sudden aortic dissection survivor, so I would take this very seriously and get very specific exercise guidance from an aortic specialist, not just general reassurance. I would suggest that you find a cardiothoracic surgeon to review your scans and advise you as well. You’re gonna wanna make friends with the nearest cardiothoracic surgeon at a major heart care center near you who has a specialty experience in repairing aortic aneurysms. 5.0 cm is the typical threshold for surgical repair, so you’re not there yet but you’re close. One of the super important things is that you get an annual scans to monitor its progression.

A 4.3 cm thoracic aneurysm is often monitored rather than repaired, but competitive bike racing is a different issue because it can involve sustained high heart rates, surges, hills, sprinting, breath-holding, and sudden blood pressure spikes. The heart rate number matters less than blood pressure, exertion level, and avoiding hard strain.

I would ask your cardiologist or an aortic specialist for written exercise parameters, including blood pressure limits, heart rate guidance, whether you need a stress test, and whether cycling is safe at conversational pace. Until then, I would avoid racing, max efforts, heavy climbs, sprint intervals, and anything that makes you strain or hold your breath.

For many of us, the safer lane is moderate aerobic exercise where you can talk while exercising, with smooth effort and no surges. That might still allow riding, but not competitive riding unless your doctor specifically clears it. Peace.

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ksmkj | @ksmkj | 2 hours ago
In reply to @moonboy "I am not a doctor, but I am a sudden aortic dissection survivor, so I would..." + (show)
Profile picture for moonboy @moonboy

I am not a doctor, but I am a sudden aortic dissection survivor, so I would take this very seriously and get very specific exercise guidance from an aortic specialist, not just general reassurance. I would suggest that you find a cardiothoracic surgeon to review your scans and advise you as well. You’re gonna wanna make friends with the nearest cardiothoracic surgeon at a major heart care center near you who has a specialty experience in repairing aortic aneurysms. 5.0 cm is the typical threshold for surgical repair, so you’re not there yet but you’re close. One of the super important things is that you get an annual scans to monitor its progression.

A 4.3 cm thoracic aneurysm is often monitored rather than repaired, but competitive bike racing is a different issue because it can involve sustained high heart rates, surges, hills, sprinting, breath-holding, and sudden blood pressure spikes. The heart rate number matters less than blood pressure, exertion level, and avoiding hard strain.

I would ask your cardiologist or an aortic specialist for written exercise parameters, including blood pressure limits, heart rate guidance, whether you need a stress test, and whether cycling is safe at conversational pace. Until then, I would avoid racing, max efforts, heavy climbs, sprint intervals, and anything that makes you strain or hold your breath.

For many of us, the safer lane is moderate aerobic exercise where you can talk while exercising, with smooth effort and no surges. That might still allow riding, but not competitive riding unless your doctor specifically clears it. Peace.

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I fully understand my racing days are over. Those heart rates of 160 and
over for extended periods in a race are no longer doable for me. I was just
hoping to casually ride longer distances with heart rates in the 130 to 140
with short bursts around 150. Just riding for exercise and not competing.

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