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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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carlwgordon | @carlwgordon | Aug 3, 2023
In reply to @mermaid1 "I know exactly how you feel. I reacted the same way when I found out during..." + (show)
@mermaid1

I know exactly how you feel. I reacted the same way when I found out during a CT for calcium scoring. In the 2 .5 years since I've learned to calm down, in part because I go for a CT with contrast dye and echocardiogram every 6 months. I found a good cardiac surgeon recommended by my primary care Dr. who is up to date on the most recent recommendations.
There is a huge difference between having an ascending aortic aneurysm and having a dissection. With 3 scans behind me I now know that for me there is no evidence of dissection and that has remained stable, the aneurysm is stable and may very well have been there my whole adult life. That gives me peace of mind and I no longer wake up every day worrying that I'm going to have a blow-out of my aorta. I did get a medical alert bracelet so that should something happen medical personnel will know to first check for a dissection.

I learned the most important thing is to make sure my BP is managed and to stay active and heart healthy. Educating yourself is the best way to get peace of mind.
I've had to change my exercise routine and medication as well as learn to ask for help when lifting heavy objects. That has taken some effort on my part. No traditional weight training at the gym - now it is lighter weight and more reps. We added a Beta blocker to my existing BP medication to lower the pressure and flow of blood through my aorta. I use Pilates/yoga breathing any time I lift anything, even a bag of groceries. No more using my body as a pack mule to haul stuff around.
Hope that gives you some ideas for taking control and feeling less helpless in the face of a unexpected diagnosis. Just remember, your chances of survival just jumped immensely by knowing you have an aneurysm.

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When you say light weights and more reps.
I'm 200 lbs would 160 bench press and 200 lbs seem low my weight. I just found I have 3.9 accending aorta. I don't to just excersise

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1 reply
mermaid1 | @mermaid1 | Aug 3, 2023
In reply to @carlwgordon "When you say light weights and more reps. I'm 200 lbs would 160 bench press and..." + (show)
@carlwgordon

When you say light weights and more reps.
I'm 200 lbs would 160 bench press and 200 lbs seem low my weight. I just found I have 3.9 accending aorta. I don't to just excersise

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It's best to check with your Dr., but mine said nothing over 50 lb and no dead lifts or overhead presses. I'm doing 100 reps with 25 lb and I'm someone who used to leg press 100 lb for 2 sets and 80 lb lat pulldown for 3 sets. It is weird, but I'm getting used to it.

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2 replies
carlwgordon | @carlwgordon | Aug 3, 2023
In reply to @mermaid1 "It's best to check with your Dr., but mine said nothing over 50 lb and no..." + (show)
@mermaid1

It's best to check with your Dr., but mine said nothing over 50 lb and no dead lifts or overhead presses. I'm doing 100 reps with 25 lb and I'm someone who used to leg press 100 lb for 2 sets and 80 lb lat pulldown for 3 sets. It is weird, but I'm getting used to it.

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Thanks for getting back to me

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upartist | @upartist | Aug 9, 2023

Hello exercisers! Question: Does anyone deal with syncope and angina with exercise? If so, how are you managing it? My arch aneurysm is now 41 and 44. I take the prescribed meds, but this syncope thing is new. I am apprehensive to go back to the gym, or hike/kayak etc, even though the ER visit demonstrated good troponin levels. Any suggestions? Thanks!
UPartist

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fjc1962 | @fjc1962 | Aug 10, 2023
In reply to @cullidj "I am 67 year old male who cycled 7000 miles a year at high aerobic rates...." + (show)
@cullidj

I am 67 year old male who cycled 7000 miles a year at high aerobic rates. Almost 5 cm ascending aortic aneurysm was detected during echocardiogram for newly detected heart murmur. Cardiologist told me the two are not related, in fact an aneurysm will have no symptoms prior to dissection. Only restriction was to not lift any weights that would make me “strain” as this could spike blood pressure. I was also told to quit cycling at heart rates approaching my lactose threshold heart rate which was 145 bpm for me. Being nervous I checked my blood pressure on my exercise bike at heart rates up to 135 bpm. I found that after even one hour of riding the exercise bike at a heart rate between 125 and 135 bpm had no impact on my blood pressure.

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Thanks for sharing your situation. My ascending aortic aneurysm is about the same as yours at 4.9. Doctors say it is stable and continue to monitor. My anxiety level is very high and May drive having the surgery sooner. Wondering what your plans are related to if, when and where you may consider to have surgery?

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upartist | @upartist | Aug 31, 2023

Question: Is anyone experiencing a combination of microvascular angina with aortic root expansion? Are there new research studies specific to this out there? I am down to slow walking, and its frustrating. The angina (microvascular type) has recently increased and is interrupting my exercise.

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debbieh5 | @debbieh5 | Sep 8, 2023

This is my first time to post so I hope I am in the right thread. I was diagnosed with a 4.0 aneurysm two years ago and it has remained stable. My cardiologist suggested that I have a nuclear stress test which I had three years ago. My blood pressure has been steady around 130/85 and even though I take a beta blocker which was increased two years ago. The last time I took a nuclear stress test, my blood pressure went up pretty high. All of my other tests that I have had are normal except for my aneurysm. I’m nervous about taking it, but my doctor has said it is safe. I scheduled an appointment to talk to her about it, but wondered if anyone has gone through this test after being diagnosed. Thank you. I have learned so much from all of your posts which has helped me accept and move forward safely.

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charlanepj | @charlanepj | Sep 11, 2023
In reply to @debbieh5 "This is my first time to post so I hope I am in the right thread...." + (show)
@debbieh5

This is my first time to post so I hope I am in the right thread. I was diagnosed with a 4.0 aneurysm two years ago and it has remained stable. My cardiologist suggested that I have a nuclear stress test which I had three years ago. My blood pressure has been steady around 130/85 and even though I take a beta blocker which was increased two years ago. The last time I took a nuclear stress test, my blood pressure went up pretty high. All of my other tests that I have had are normal except for my aneurysm. I’m nervous about taking it, but my doctor has said it is safe. I scheduled an appointment to talk to her about it, but wondered if anyone has gone through this test after being diagnosed. Thank you. I have learned so much from all of your posts which has helped me accept and move forward safely.

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Hang in there.
It was suggested by a cardiologist (local and first time I visited them) that I have a stress test AFTER my aneurysm which I was told was a 4.0 decided to act up AND I had an emergency double aortic dissection where I was repaired in 3 places. This suggestion was about 4 months post surgery. So when I returned to Mayo for my 6 month check up I asked why I had to have a local cardiologist. They said so someone locally knows what is going on. I said, I wasn't real happy with my locals (which I had used twice and this one was new) and local meant they were 45 min. away and Mayo is 21 hours. My Mayo Cardiologist MD said she could be my person if I wanted to travel there for appointments. I said you are hired. She did not think I need to have a nuclear stress test or put on medication for plaque. I started PT. I am one year and one month from my emergency surgery. Yesterday I biked 10 miles. I do not lift anything that causes me to hold my breath, grunt, groan, or that I can do in repetitions. I have had no signs of heart problems and I have not taken the nuclear stress test (how could I do that just 4 month after a major surgery - I could tell you I would have flunked it then).

Best wishes, trust your doctor. If you don't find another one.

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upartist | @upartist | Sep 12, 2023

This is in reply to charlanepj and and debbieh5. The nuclear stress test has been brought up a few times with me by my local docs. However, it hasnt happened yet. I am unsure about it as well. I wanted my Mayo cardiologist to weigh in first. I see the aorta doc this week, and will definitely follow his direction. Your posts, both of you, are extremely helpful!!!!! Thanks!!!!

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debbieh5 | @debbieh5 | Sep 12, 2023
In reply to @upartist "This is in reply to charlanepj and and debbieh5. The nuclear stress test has been brought..." + (show)
@upartist

This is in reply to charlanepj and and debbieh5. The nuclear stress test has been brought up a few times with me by my local docs. However, it hasnt happened yet. I am unsure about it as well. I wanted my Mayo cardiologist to weigh in first. I see the aorta doc this week, and will definitely follow his direction. Your posts, both of you, are extremely helpful!!!!! Thanks!!!!

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Thank you and charlanepj. I appreciate your sharing your experiences with me. It is so helpful! I am definitely nervous about taking the nuclear stress test; but hopefully, when I have a follow up visit, we can discuss the reason she feels I need it. Having information helps me make informed decisions.

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