Ascending Aortic Aneurysm and Exercise

Posted by bryanfox @bryanfox, Aug 31, 2019

New to this, nervous (like everyone). 44YO male, 5'10", 195 lb, diagnosed with 4.3cm ascending aortic aneurysm last month. Doctors put me on beta blockers, resting BP around 128/70 since I started with them (it was over 140 before, but only in the last year did I see abnormally high BP). I go to the gym 5 times a week. Cardiologist told me to continue exercising, but not to lift over 100lb (I use machines, not freeweights, so I'm not lifting over 100lb anyway). But I'm curious about cardio as well - I go 3-4 miles on the elliptical 3-4 times a week, and I sweat. I'm sure my BP is raised while doing that. Is this healthy?

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joyebugg | @joyebugg | Sep 13 1:04pm

I have MYH 11. I am a 46-year-old female. My CT scan showed a 3.6 aortic aneurysm in my abdomen. They are sending me to UAB in December to a specialist, but I don’t know if I can wait that long. Any helpful info would be greatly appreciated. I’m so afraid of an aortic dissection or a rupture .

joyebugg | @joyebugg | Sep 16 8:06am

In reply to @aeads "I have an ascending aortic aneurysm. I joined here to learn more about lifestyle adjustments and..." + (show)

@aeads

I have an ascending aortic aneurysm. I joined here to learn more about lifestyle adjustments and hopefully, help with the anxiety it has provoked. I am 60 yrs. old, female, borderline LDL (high HDL), and have Raynaud's Phenomenon. I am 5’7 and 127 pounds. My aneurysm measures 3.9 cm and it is mildly aneurysmal. My genetic testing came back positive for a mutation of the MYH-11 gene. So, it is familial. However, I don’t know of any family that this was found on.
I love lifting weights and they have been heavy - deadlifting 265 lbs, squatting 200 lbs, bench 110 lbs. The news to reduce my weight to 50 lbs was difficult. I understand the rationale, but then I was told 30 lbs when the genetic factor was discovered. I have been to a CV surgeon and cardiologist. My BP is 100-110/60 normally, but I was put on losartan 12.5 mg at bedtime. HR 55-60 resting. I am tolerating the medication. I have lessened my weight by 40-70% on average. I breath through all exercises. I do not do back squats and deadlifts with a straight bar or trap bar. No overhead presses. No straining and no holding my breath.

I feel the weight guideline is a bit odd. For the most part, I can follow the 30-50 pound limit, but some things especially with the lower body (example hip thrust 50 lbs is nothing - the bar and 5 pounds). No use to do this even with many reps. I have kept weight low for the most part. Doing exercises to pre-exhaust the muscle. Many times this is with body weight. I feel in this instance using a scale of 0-10 for level of exertion might be helpful. One could do an exercise with 20 pounds and you could potentially strain. You could do a different exercise with 65 pounds and it is easier than what you just did with 20 pounds. Does anyone else feel it to be confusing to use a weight limit? I think keeping weight down, but utilizing a scale of effort or exertion is most helpful. Has anyone else been given advice to use an exertion scale?

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@aeads I have myh11 also and can’t find much info

ctflyr | @ctflyr | Sep 17 7:22am

In reply to @joyebugg "I have MYH 11. I am a 46-year-old female. My CT scan showed a 3.6 aortic..." + (show)

@joyebugg ....keep BP controlled to normal level, no heavy lifting, no breath-holding or straining when lifting. When exercising you should be able to carry on a normal conversation. You can engage in non-stressful activities. Discuss your concerns with your Cardiologist sooner than December. Many people on this site have experience in managing their condition...read their stories. Your situation isn't dire and can be managed with the right guidance and information. Knowledge is power and can help to keep perspective. Best wishes in your care journey!!

pconkin1 | @pconkin1 | Sep 17 9:41am

I'm 66 years old, and I have a 4.3 cm Ascending Aortic Aneurysm. My cardiologist at the Stanford Aortic Disease Center said to avoid heavy weights and the Valsava Maneuver-holding your breath while lifting or exerting. This puts presure on the aneurysm. I was told do 15 reps with light weights, breathe, breathe, breathe-no holding breath while exerting. They said I could moderately increase weights as endurance/strength increases. I was a heavy lifter, and they said to stop that immediately!

Moreover, they said walking and a low sodium diet is the gold standard for self care (for many reasons). They also said to drink lots of water to optimize blood thickness - which helps lower blood pressure. Hope this helps.

joyebugg | @joyebugg | Sep 18 7:35am

In reply to @ctflyr "@joyebugg ....keep BP controlled to normal level, no heavy lifting, no breath-holding or straining when lifting...." + (show)

@ctflyr thank you . Just got my results back from ultrasound and nurse said no aneurysm. I told her I’m so confused, ct scan showed 3.6 . She said it was a dilation and it is honestly away . I don’t trust that answer . 2 different nurses one said one thing about the CT scan. The other said something about the ultrasound.. both contraindicated their selves . Do they just go away? I’m setting appt with np and let her explain to me .

bitsygirl | @bitsygirl | Sep 18 8:34am

In reply to @joyebugg "@ctflyr thank you . Just got my results back from ultrasound and nurse said no aneurysm...." + (show)

@joyebugg There is error in any aorta measurement. I believe ultrasound can be very inaccurate and is less accurate than CT. This may or may not be part of the confusing story you are hearing from your providers. That said, for my 2 cents, you should definitely track it down until you are satisfied that someone knowledgeable knows about both your MYH 11 and has a good idea of the size of the aneurysm. In your place, I'd consider getting an appointment with someone that has experience operating on these and get their assessment of your situation. Given the MYH 11, I'd be a little concerned about only seeing the NP and never someone with more education and experience. Sounds like you have an appointment already. Good luck!

ctflyr | @ctflyr | Sep 18 8:47am

In reply to @joyebugg "@ctflyr thank you . Just got my results back from ultrasound and nurse said no aneurysm...." + (show)

@joyebugg....I would take your concerns and confusion directly to your Cardiologist. Nurses are well intended, but not trained or experienced MD's. Aneurysm's typically don't "disappear". It could be errors in reading the scans or it being "hidden" in imaging. You may also consider an alternate CT from another Cardiologist.

joyebugg | @joyebugg | Sep 19 8:09am

Yes I think I should do that . I’m waiting for the big hospital UAB to call me back to move appt up and I’m gonna request another ct

valralphxtraconz | @valralphxtraconz | Sep 19 4:38pm

hi welcome to this part of lifewhen our bdy parts are not doing what we would like myproblem has been about 15 yrs of beeing told we (specialists) will fix you up when needed it did not happen but i have accepted the factsof my future i am trying old medicine ways not sure if the right thing to do but it gives me hope i guess what i am trying to say is you need to have a lot of belief in yourself to get through or over the hurdles yhat get in the way of life

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