(Type A Dissection / Bentall Valsalva) - Is EMS training safe??

Posted by xmanikas @xmanikas, 4 days ago

Hi everyone, i am Chris, 51 yold. I am 6 years post-op following an acute Type A aortic dissection caused by an ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm. During the emergency open-heart surgery, I underwent a Bentall procedure with a total aortic root and valve replacement. I received a mechanical conduit valve, specifically the Carbomedics Carbo-Seal Valsalva (No. 25).Everything has been going great so far, and my follow-ups are stable. However, over the years, I have gained some extra weight and belly fat that I want to lose, and I also want to relieve some body aches.I am strongly considering starting Whole-Body EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) training. I have already consulted my cardiologist, who has been monitoring me for all these 6 years, and he gave me the green light (OK) to proceed. He noted that modern mechanical valves are MRI/electrically conditional and won't be physically affected by the current.I wanted to ask the community:Has anyone with a similar mechanical valve/Valsalva graft history tried EMS training?If yes, what was your experience regarding heart rate, blood pressure, and avoiding the Valsalva maneuver (breath-holding) during the muscle contractions?Are there any specific settings, belt tighteners, or electrode placements (like avoiding the chest area) that you discussed with your trainers?I would highly appreciate any insights or advice from fellow survivors!Thank you in advance!

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