Ascending Aortic Aneurysm

 I'm 73 been going for ct for 11 years with an ascending aortic aneuysm 4.1 that hasn't changed in 11 years,ct every year. I go to the gym lift weights usually I use 100 lbs but dont do reps to failure. I monitor my blood pressure after each set to ensure the set doesn't cause too high a pressure 160/80 max and then continue to monitor bp to see how long it takes to come downbefore I do another set. Been doing this for 4 years and like I said the aneurysm remains 4.1.I do cardio 40min on a stepper alternating with a treadmill. I alternate the days between weights and cardio. I had two stents put in main artery 5 years ago and lost 50 pounds after that. I could never get a straight answer between my primary MD and cardio guy about working other than I shouldn't be doing that. Anyway I feel that if it hasn't changed in 11 years I'm OK doing what I'm doing and if I saw a change in the numbers I'd stop. I also once a week do leg presses with 400 lbs 6 repsx 3 sets and I do pushups and dips. Thanks for any info on the subject .....leftybob38

baqin,most important is to monitor your BP and heart rate as you workout. I read in a famous cardiology's book find out your average resting heart rate and if its more than 5 beats higher when you get up in the morning do not workout as thats a sign you are over doing it so skip the day and relax.....good luck gymrat38 ps: I am 5-8 and 195 lbs

Hi TraceyA...I am also a new member. I was recently diagnosed with a 4.4 cm Thoracic Ascending Aortic Aneurysm. Like most people this was found during a screening for something else entirely! I am 48 and in ok shape. My BP is normal and cholesterol looks good. So, my cardiologist put me on a low dose (12.5mg) beta blocker to help reduce stress on the aneurysm. I have been on it for about 2 weeks now. Hopefully, this will help reduce the growth of the aneurysm. It has been an overwhelming ordeal but I am trying to remain positive and do all I can to keep this darn thing from growing! It has been nice to read the other posts and see that some people have had no growth over several years. I would love to hear your story and I am glad you posted today!

TraceyA it sounds like we are in similar situations! My cardiologist said our goal is to try and reduce growth rate as much as possible. In addition to the BB he recommended omega 3, exercising (walking, bike, etc..) no heavy weight lifting and no activity that causes rapid increase in HR such as running stairs. I've been reading/researching and believe that anything we can do to reduce inflammation is also good. Do you have any valve involvement? So far, my valves have not been affected and my aortic root is normal. The positive side of all this is we know we have the aneurysm and now can monitor it regularly. I am to go in every 6 months for CT scan. I agree that it is amazing how many people have TAA's or AAA's and I too am glad that we can share our stories! TXHeart.

By the way, I wonder what happened to everyone who posted on here previously...

Thanks Kitt and Happy Easter to you too. Regards.

Hi Cali4chopin, I'm afraid I can't offer any suggestion re: your training programme but I am happy to hear that over six yrs the size of your aneurysm has not increased in size. It is reassuring to know that that can happen. I was also told to avoid lifting...and have just been started on Simvastatin to add to Atenalol. I've been advisd to have annual CT or MRIs. Unfortunately my cardiologist doesn't have any answers if it does grow as apparently the mortality rate of ascending and arch aneurysmms repairs is high as the surgery is extremely complicated. So let's hope it takes a long time to grow...
Take care

Hi all, I am new to this forum but have been following this thread. I am a 54 year old man and had surgery to correct a bi-cuspid aortic valve and an ascending aneurysm. My aneurysm reached the size of 4.7 cm. It did not extend into the arch. I had the surgery in June of 2010 at the University of Wisconsin Madison Clinic. I had them install a pig valve and they repaired the aneurysm at the same time. I did not want to deal with blood thinners that would have been required with a mechanical valve. All went extremely well. I was in the hospital for 4 and one half days.
If you need to get this procedure done, don't be afraid, you will be pleasantly surprised at the little amount of pain involved. To be fair, it is not a treat but it is very do-able. I am now living a full life. I farm with my brother about 600 acres, work in a paper mill and drive a late model stockcar as well as hunting and other passtimes.
I see that some on here are concerned with lifting weights. That is true, my cardiolagist in Green Bay says the same thing, no seriuos lifting. However, they encourage cardiovascular workouts like running and swimming. I love basketball and I stay away from the weights. I think that is a small price to pay for life. I feel great.

My brother had open heart surgery 10 years ago when he was 35.  He had an ascending aortic aneuyrsm.  A few years prior to that, he was feeling tired and out of breath all the time.  His dr. discovered that his blood pressure was unusually high so he referred him to a cardiologist.  They performed an echocardiogram and discovered the aneurysm.  They decided to monitor it and had him come in every 6 months for another echocardiogram.  This went on for 2 years until they determined it was time for surgery.  Surgery involved cutting out the aneurysm and covering the area with a synthetic graft.  Today he is 45 and probably more active than he has ever been in his life.  He literally walks 8 miles a day, eats right, and is in excellent health.  He continues to have high blood pressure and takes medication for it.  It was stated that he may have to have surgery again in approximately 15 years.  He does go to have an echocardiogram one time a year so it can be monitored.  Because of this traumatic situation my brother went through, it gave me the desire to pursue a career change.  I am currently in a sonography program at a local college.  After I receive my associates degree I plan to pursue more education to specialize in cardiac sonography.  An echocardiogram is what ultimately saved my brother's life and I want to be a part of that so I might be able to help someone with the same situation one day.  Also, it is very important for siblings and parents to be checked as well.  I feel for everyone on here that is in the waiting phase.  I can't imagine what you must be going through personally but I do understand on some level!  Best of luck to everyone!! 

Ok....I am a bit confused and would like to know what doctors are suggesting.

I am 43 and have an AA measuring 4.2 CM. My Doctor has said moderate intensity aerobic exercise is okay as are push ups and sit ups (though I have seen several sites states sit ups and crunches are a no no) He did say avoid heavy lifting but I got the impression that he was talking about maximizing my bench press type weights not limiting me to 20 pounds. Now everyone here has me worried. I continue to do jogging where my heart rate climbs as he didn't say I shouldn't.

Anyone have any thoughts.

 

I am 74, I just got diagnosed acsending aorta aneurysm, 4.3cm, I am on BP control, i believe I need by pass surgery in 1-2 years, my Dr said it is very risk surgery, I am not sure how scary it is, but just wait to see what happen next... Anyone know if LAC+USA is a good place for by pass surgery?

I wonder what is the successful rate (90%, 80% or 70%) to do a bypass surgery for ascending aorta aneurysm ?