57 year old female diagnosed with ascending aortic aneurysm

Posted by jeanneap @jeanneap, 6 days ago

Good evening,

I am a 57 year old female and relatively active. I was strength training 4 days a week and working with a trainer until about 2 months ago. I was working with my trainer like usual. After 10 minutes I got completly after breath like an asthma attack and got chest pressure and heart palpitations. Since then I have been having extreme fatigue, dizziness, light headeness when I stand up, fogginess, lack of concentration and more check pressure. I saw my PCP and he referred me to a cardiologist but told me to go to the ER if I delevoped new symptoms. He also made me cease all excersion with is killing me! Yesterday I went to the ER and was admitted. a C scan and Echo found a ascending aortic aneurysm measuring 4.4 cm and Left Ventricular hypertrophy. I will be seeing the cardiologist that saw me in the hospital. They are going to start with a stress test and then possibly perform an angiogram to determine if I have any blockages. They are going to continue to monitor the aneurysm. All of this is very suprising as how suddenly it started and that I have been improving my health with excercise and weight loss with a GLP-1.

My dad had heart disease and an angioplasty in his early 5o's so that is a family history of that. My mom passed away for strokes.

I hope to learn so much from all of you. Even though my testing is not completed yet, I am still a little overwhelmed.
Thank you for readying my story!

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ewei6911 | @ewei6911 | 1 day ago

I have a trainer who had me doing planks, stomach crunches, squats, etc. until I found out I had an ascending aortic aneurysm that was 4.8 cm. My cardiologist told me to stop those exercises and just walk or go on tread mill. My trainer and I did not understand why squats were a problem and my cardiologist said it was the upward movement that could cause my blood pressure to spike. I am continuing with my trainer who has me doing stretches and flexibility exercises. Its almost beginner level of training, but the trainer and I both agree that if I have surgery for the aneurysm, I want my body to be as healthy as possible, especially for the recovery.

spqr1066 | @spqr1066 | 18 hours ago

Did any of your doctors suggest what other activities you should avoid? Or did anyone indicate to you what walking speeds on a treadmill are appropriate for you?
I hope all turns out well for you.