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Ascending Aortic Aneurysm and Exercise

Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: Nov 8, 2023 | Replies (107)

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@amazing

I am 71 y.o., 6'1" and 245 lbs. and diagnosed with 4.6 cm via MRA about 2-3 years ago when I was working a high stress job. I freaked when I was diagnosed, quit the job, and did nothing for a year physically (and deteriorated) for fear of worsening my condition, and read all I could online about it and learned a lot. On exercising, my cardiologist said that I shouldn't engage in the Valsalva maneuver when exerting, i.e. doing anything that makes me grunt or hold my breath during effort. He said all aerobics are fine and I could do any exercise if adhering to the rule. So currently, since my last office visit, I started a regimen of 1/2 hour rowing, followed by a circuit of weight machine training with weights that I can handle keeping steady breathing in and out, and then 1/2 hour fast walking on treadmill. I am trying to condition my body and lose more calories. There's some contradictory information on-line regarding exercising, and much of the advice is made up, e.g. how much weight should you lift in proportion of your body weight, etc. without taking variables into account. So, in a way, I am my own guinea pig. I see my MD next week and am due soon for my annual scan. We'll see. Anyway, is anybody else engaging in more than just aerobic exercise and if so, what regimen appears safe using resistance exercise in your experience?

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Replies to "I am 71 y.o., 6'1" and 245 lbs. and diagnosed with 4.6 cm via MRA about..."

Thank you Amazing! Your post was very helpful. I hike with trekking sticks, walk, x-country ski, and kayak. Its the transfer of the kayak, and the enter/exit I struggle with, while trying NOT to use force. Unfortunately my aneurysm appears to have recently enlarged to 44 (soon to be measured again). I have had no guidelines on exercise regarding the aneurysm. My parameters have been loosely laid out in lieu of a comorbidity (angina). My aneurysm has taken a back seat. However, I do follow the posts here. These are helpful. I love cruising through the woods and over the water. I am not fast anymore, but I am still enjoying being able to do it. All the others out there seem to feel the same way. Thank you for your comments!

I’ve been reading about the 100s approach for weight lifting and think this may be a good option. Here’s some info:
https://scarysymptoms.com/2014/09/aortic-aneurysm-safely-build-muscle/