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am I exercising too much with a 4.3 ascending aortic aneurysm?
I am a 60 year old female, who has been very active her whole life. I was a very competitive gymnast, then moved to triathlons, then to cycling and running, strength training has always supported these activities. I am a certified personal trainer, and the aneurysm is a new diagnosis as of Dec of 2022. it was shocking - I now have a heart condition. I ran a marathon 2 weeks after I turned 60. My Cradic surgeon has stated that I can train for a 50k (31 miles) race, as well as a 150 mile bike ride. I have a 50 lb lifting weight limit. My BP is low and I am on no medications. My questions are .. is the activity too much? I run 5-6 days a week plus strength training and biking. I have mild chest pain - all of this has been told to my doc. they keep telling me everything is ok - I am just so nervous about all of this - but want to keep doing what I love. Any input will be appreciated.
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Thanks for the comments
I will have that discussion asap
Hi Will3886. I see you got checked because your brother had heart issues? That points towards a possible genetic component to your aneurysm. You need to have that discussion with your cardiologist soon. Some familial TAADs (thoracic aortic aneurysm disease) lead to early dissection. Not all, but some. If you show one of these genetic markers, the algorithm for the timing of repair is altered accordingly. I urge you, with a 4.5, to have this discussion in order to make informed decisions. I to love hiking! I used to run and I get your desire to let loose on those amazing trails! Good luck!!!
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Thank you
I have two heart docs one is cardo and the other is surgeon. I 63 4.3-4.5 depending on test. Other than proper breathing when lifting live a normal life. Not saying it is ok to be power lifter but exercise diet and keep BP low. If you must ask doc for statin and b pressure med start low doses. This is the best you can do…..maybe it grows maybe not. My doc told me I may never need surgery.
Good info
Thank you
Glad your doing ok
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2 ReactionsThanks
No plans to do anything but walk
Doc wants to wait till measure 5+ to talk repair
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1 ReactionI am Female, age 79. I have an ascending aortic aneurysm, diagnosed in 2007 at 3.8. It is now 4.2. These things are often slow growing. My only exercise limitation has been to lift no more than 25 lbs.
I believe the aneurysm is considered for surgery when it is in the 5 to 6 cm range. This surgery is huge and the surgery itself has risks. I would not consider pushing for surgery before the aneurysm has become life threatening.
I personally think being near an ER is wishful thinking. I understand if the aneurysm is going to burst, that is the end. But the likelihood of it bursting before it gets in the 5 to 6 cm range is rare.
I suggest doing some on-line research at NIH, Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, Cornell Weill websites and then making another appointment with your cardio to discuss your questions and personal situation.
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2 ReactionsIt’s a tough question to answer because it’s all about whether or not you want to risk being out in the middle of nowhere when you’re Aorta dissects. if it were me, I would stop running and get the earliest surgical appointment to have open-heart surgery to get it repaired. Given the fact that you are 71, you are in great shape, I think that the surgery is worth it. It is much easier to deal with in a non-emergent situation Like you have right now. If your aorta blows, you’re not likely to survive it if you are not in an emergency room or very very very close to one. If you are in Rochester across the street from Mayo, you’ve got a chance. If you are in the suburbs and an hour from the nearest High-end cardiac center. Well, I think your chances are pretty low. I have had an emergency full dissection in San Diego California in 2015. I was 50 years old and overweight and hypertensive. It was an absolute personal and professional disaster. Most people who survive a complete dissection , which is a very small percentage, never go back to work. I can tell you that almost 9 years out I think about it every day and I make an effort to be extra kind to my wife and kids who suffered terribly in that experience. If you are a single person and you’ve got all of your will, power of attorney and healthcare directives put together than I guess you should do whatever makes you happiest. But, if you are married and have a family, which you love, I think it would be Whoo you to think seriously about having corrective surgery at if you’re re a candidate. I am very glad that I survived, but never a day passes where I don’t think about the fact that I am incredibly lucky to have made it. I was in a major metropolitan area on a quiet evening, where the on-call surgeon had 40 years of experience. You might not be that lucky so I really, encourage you to think about what’s important to you. If running is the only thing that matters, then I guess you run. But if you have other things that takes precedent in your life it may be time to slow down. I’d be happy to talk with you directly if you want to email me your contact information. Pete pbarry@lawpoint.com
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1 Reaction71 yr old Male 185 #
Just discovered a 4.5 acceding aneurysm
No issue … had a check up due to my brother’s heart issue with one.
Been tri runner and hiker all my life
Planned on 100 miler on AT
Doc said should ( should!!) be ok but know where nearest ER is if needed !
What to di … or what to not do !!!!
100 miler canceled …. No ER’s on remote trails !
Confused with all the dos and don't !!!!
Thats for all the comments ….
Still trying to figure out and modify hiking or walking distance
I now walk about 6-6 mikes a day …. Before Doctor visit !!
What size aneurysm?