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Exercise Guidance with Ascending aorta dilation

Posted by JZ @johnzajac, Nov 30, 2025

I am a 56 yo male recently diagnosed with a 4.7 cm ascending aorta dilation. Exercise and weight training has been a part of my life since I was 14 and I was told the following: no competitive sports, no contact sports, exercise more cardio versus "heavy lifting". I was told not to lift more than 50 pounds - super light for me, I have read other things like < 100 #, or half your body weight which is half my body weight. My doctor said swimming, light hiking, biking but no dead lifts which I do not do. I asked about HR parameters which my doctor said 150 or below is ok. I don't lift "heavy weights" anymore, but I did do pushups, planks and BW rows on TRX which I read was not great due to the isometric exercise that increases BP. I am a good shape so this 50#.no isometric restriction is an issue. I am not sure what I can in terms of resistance and what cardio intensity is acceptable? Physical activity has been a part of my life - I am looking for guidance as these restrictions are confusing to me. Any help would be great. Thanks! JZ

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ctflyr | @ctflyr | 6 hours ago
In reply to @angleh "Thank you for the response. How do you measure your blood pressure when you are at..." + (show)
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Thank you for the response. How do you measure your blood pressure when you are at a workout gym. My recent at rest b .p.was 124/70. my average heart rate during a recent workout was 135. I have an echo coming up in three weeks so it sure tell more.Thanks again ,Herb

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@angleh......you may be "over exerting" during your workout. The maximum heart rate for your age is 145. Recommended HR for workouts is 50-85% of max HR. So your max would be around 120ish. Hope that helps!

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mikeneverwired | @mikeneverwired | 2 hours ago

I was in a similar situation as you: exercise was an integral part of my life. When I was diagnosed with a 5.2cm ascending aneurysm, they told me 'no crossfit'! (those goblin squats were not aneurysm friendly...) ...and they said I should back off heavy weights and substitute walking. It was good advice. I was in pretty decent aerobic shape when I had my surgery and that helped a lot with the recovery. With yours at 4.7cm, you have a bit to go before surgery is 'indicated' but listen to your doc on the heavy lifting advice.

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angleh | @angleh | 1 hour ago
In reply to @ctflyr "@angleh......you may be "over exerting" during your workout. The maximum heart rate for your age is..." + (show)
Profile picture for ctflyr @ctflyr

@angleh......you may be "over exerting" during your workout. The maximum heart rate for your age is 145. Recommended HR for workouts is 50-85% of max HR. So your max would be around 120ish. Hope that helps!

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@ctflyr Thank you ,it helps very much to get some guidance on this.

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angleh | @angleh | 1 hour ago
In reply to @mikeneverwired "I was in a similar situation as you: exercise was an integral part of my life...." + (show)
Profile picture for mikeneverwired @mikeneverwired

I was in a similar situation as you: exercise was an integral part of my life. When I was diagnosed with a 5.2cm ascending aneurysm, they told me 'no crossfit'! (those goblin squats were not aneurysm friendly...) ...and they said I should back off heavy weights and substitute walking. It was good advice. I was in pretty decent aerobic shape when I had my surgery and that helped a lot with the recovery. With yours at 4.7cm, you have a bit to go before surgery is 'indicated' but listen to your doc on the heavy lifting advice.

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@mikeneverwired Good advice Mike ,it helps structure an effective workout for good health.

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