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Exercise, Lifestyle and Life Experience with Dilated Aorta?
Hey all,
This seems like a wonderful community, much better than posting on Reddit or Doom Google Searching. I’m glad to have found this place.
I am a 44m, 6’4” and 230lbs. I have been very active my entire life, weight training, body building, tennis, hiking, and did CrossFit for a few years. It was in CrossFit that I developed some persistent PVC’s which faded when I left the sport.
I have had afib 4 times, all 4 times successfully cardioverted. It wasn’t until this most recent time that I was also placed on Flecanaide to control my rhythm and recommend for a consult for an ablation.
During this time and after a recent echo, I was informed that my Aorta and Aortic Root are both dilated to 4.3cm. My cardiologist joked that if I was her size it would be considered an aneurysm but given my height and size it’s only mild dilation.
I will be honest when I say that this diagnosis has sent me into a spiral. I have developed some depression and anxiety in just a few weeks since this diagnosis. I made the mistake of googling looking for reassurance and came across every worse case scenario. I’m a dad and am worried what this will mean for my daughter.
I’m reaching out to hear from individuals with similar experiences. How is your lifestyle?. What are do’s and donts you’ve come across? When I asked my cardio for recommendations on exercise she was pretty vague and made some generalizations - don’t life too heavy, don’t raise your blood pressure too much, etc. I am hoping some folks have some life experience and guidance they’re received to pass along.
I am glad to return the support if I can do anything at all for anyone here. ❤️
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i will definitely watch!!!! ty
Here’s a more recent interview with Dr Prakash, the man is devoted to aortic diseases, I feel really lucky to have him as my cardiologist, this interview highlighted for me the difference between cardiologists that understand aortic diseases versus generalists or Drs that focus on other areas
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3 Reactionsthank you very very much for doctor Prakash's video. incredibly educational. simple and to the point. might be the best communicating doctor i have encountered. i have been waiting a long time to view it. i can't thank you and him enough.
My husband has a 4.6cm ascending aorta and we just returned from a 10 day much needed vacation from Sedona, Flagstaff and Grand Canyon! It was filled with walking, hiking, sight seeing and overall living life. He has perfect health eg. BP, cholesterol, no prior history or family history of aneurysm, outside this recent ascending aorta find. He lives life aware of the condition but also aware that life must not be lived in fear. He monitors his BP and heart rate regularly. When he gets tired or breathy he takes a break. He doesn’t lift heavy weights, instead, he uses resistance bands, dumb bells and kettle ball for weight baring exercises. He stays active by walking the dog daily and playing pickleball several times a week. He endeavors to eat a low cholesterol diet full of fiber, lean proteins and fresh organic fruits and vegetables. As his wife, this diagnosis scared the life out of me but I am supportive of his mindset and I do my part to help him on his journey, our journey through this life.
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4 Reactions@houston13 thank you!
@vita831 Sure, here it is:
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1 Reaction@houston13 could you please resend the link to the video?
@houston13 Thank you for the response. I have been trying to find a way (wrist watch type etc.) to measure B.P. but to no avail. Dr. Prakash is right on because even a slight bump will cause our B.P. units to read Ërror".
I have read everything you have submitted and find your writings very compelling and insightful. Thanks for sharing.
@dew88
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1 Reaction@beebo It has to do with the ratio of the size it is supposed to be to what it actually is at the time. For me a 4.2 or 4.3 would be considered mildly dilated where as 4.4 is moderately dilated and some would say aneurysmal at that point. It is semantics at that point.
@beebo That is a great video. Is really learned a lot from it.
Here’s a related question: Is there a difference between an aortic aneurysm and a dilated aorta? Thanks!