Dilated ascending aorta and Aortic root

Given your concerns regarding the medical care where you live, wouldn't it be advisable to follow a conservative approach to your activity level relative to your TAA diagnosis? 4.1cm is not large in the TAA spectrum, but deserves monitoring, self-care, and support. There are many here who have spent their lives being physically active, only to find themselves restricted now because of their condition. All seem to adapt, and remain mindful of their condition. The overriding sentiment seems to be avoid strenuous activity, keep BP at a proper level, and avoid straining during any physical effort. With those basic concepts applied, and continued education about your condition, you and your care team will create the appropriate guidelines for living with your aneurysm.

@concern

Welcome back to Connect. First, everyone's limitations vary based on their conditions. I have a dilated aortic root around 4.9 that was found in Jan 2026 during CT scan for another reason. I will have an echo planned for more tests in the July / Aug time frame to see if the size has changed. But unlike you, I have no restrictions. I am working with the primary to get BP lower via medications.

It is scary knowing you have these conditions, and there is always that "What if?" At first I thought about a lot, but try not to think about. My anxiety always goes up before any testing. With your limitations, it would be harder not to think about it.

I actually have not seen a cardiologist; it is being monitored by a vascular specialist at Mayo. If the size increases, I will be referred to a cardiac surgeon for monitoring and to discuss options.

Have you thought about getting a 2nd opinion to see if they place you on the same restrictions?

Did your cardiologist give you any warning signs that you should watch for that may indicate your need to seek medical attention?

@ctflyr
Thanks for responding and l appreciate you prospective on the issue. I know there are a lot of people dealing with this condition as well as more serious ones. I should have said this in my previous message but I'm so greatful for each day that God gives me.

Adjusting to the knowledge of an aortic aneurysm can take a little while. I found the plethora of postings on this support group site to be reassuring and to help me find more information that allowed me to settle down.

When I found out about my ascending aortic aneurysm, I was in the middle of my second 12 week barbell strengthening phase in which I was doing the typical exercises to include squats, dead lifts, presses, etc., which definitely caused my blood pressure to spike during these lifting sessions. I am thankful that a little gastrointestinal stress led to a CT scan that revealed my 4.9 cm aneurysm, especially before I ruptured it from the heavy lifting.

You can still exercise! You just need to modify the program. I am walking briskly and bicycling, with an occasional swim to get aerobic exercise. I am still lifting weights, but now I lift light weights. Check out a YouTuber name Keith Hanenian who is a proponent of lifting light weights after age 60. If you doubt this will work, check out his physique! I find my workouts to still be quite demanding, though I keep my BP steady through the use of light weights.

Check out the doctors at Advent Health Orlando. The cardiology and vascular department has a good reputation. Though further from you, of course you can check out Mayo in Jacksonville.

Thank you for the encouragement.
That's great that you're still exercising. I live near
Gulf Shores, Al. Beautiful if you like the beach, which l do. When l mentioned the health care in this area it's just a lot of people are transplanting to this area. Only 2 hospitals for all of Baldwin county which encompasses a fairly large population and they are being overwhelmed with so many people.
I'm not sure but UAB hospital in Birmingham is probably the best hospital in the state. A good friend of mine had his heart transplant done there. But if and when the day may come for surgery l definitely would want to try and go somewhere that specializes in heart valve type surgery. Once again thanks for responding to my post and it gives me hope to continue to exercise. Did your doctor give you a maximum heart rate not go
above. Just wondering.
Thank you and take care

@concern
Regarding your question about heart rate… I have not been given any guidance on that. I think heart rate is a bit relative given our physiological differences. My resting heart rate is 49 BPM, so a brisk walk at 16 minutes per mile raises my pulse only into the 80s, but no higher. And if I bike ride, I can raise it to about 105. (But that’s a near doubling of my resting heart rate.)

Notably, I don’t try to “dash to the proverbial finish line”anymore, but rather keep a steady rhythm in order to not put an abnormal stress (spike) on my cardiovascular system.

I hope your next workout goes well for you.

I see your email address is
pc1veteran. I want to say thank for your service. Also, thank for responding to me post. You make a good point about resting heart rate and the increase rate from that starting point. Man l hope l can eventually walk a 16 min mile.
Take care

My vascular dr could not do my surgery because it was complicated so i asked for a referral to University of PA and i went there for my surgery. I was in alot of pain right after and it was all in my lower back where i have severe arthritis. Week 4 and i am doing great. I want to go back to work NOW but i have to wait till my 6 weeks are up which is June 3rd They have done over 400 of these surgeries but it seems i am the youngest at 58. They do alot of people who are 78. Great hospital and staff.

@concern AMEN

@roch 4.9 is getting closer to the 5.7 or 5.9 for you. When mine was at 4.9 i was getting it checked every 6 mos then every 3 mos. Yes i was stressed out and scared because i drive for my job and the thought of it bursting and dieng and then the possibility i may harm someone else i elected surgery before it burst. I was told not to lift anything real heavy or push anything real heavy and to watch for signs of rupture. They said i would know it if it ruptered. They said severe pain in the back and moving up. Like going up the back. You usually have minutes because if not you will bleed out internally. Just make them do ct scans every 6 or 3 mos to see if its growing and for sure see a vascular surgeon. I heard mayo has a cool set up for stents to fit just your body and thats what my dr did also. I wish you the best of luck.