Exercising with a AAA @4.9cm

Ooomph

New Member

Joined : Aug 2014

Posts : 1

Posted 8/13/2014 9:41 PM (GMT 0)

Okay, I'm a relatively healthy 45yo man, been on bp meds for about 5 years which keeps it in the normal range (120/80-ish). I found out about the AAA roughly 18 months ago during a scheduled cardiology visit to discuss a rhythm issue I've had for 20 years. Also, I have a small aortic valve regurgitation. Anyway, I like to run. I run about 4x per week. I've run 5k's and 5-milers without issue.

However, I just signed up for a relay race. 12 people to run 200 miles over ~24 hours. Basically, we all end up with three legs, mine happen to be 5, 7.5 & 5. The catch is that I'll have 4-6 hours between my legs and will be sleeping in a 15 passenger van with the other runners between my legs. Chances of decent sleep are slim to none.

My thinking is that with proper BP management, it shouldn't be an issue. For the record, 2 of my team members are nurses, one is a cardiac nurse (clinical manager for my Cardiologists office & my awesome girlfriend) and at least one of the other runners is a PA. So a third of the team are medical professionals.

I was wondering if y'all thought it is safe enough or are there any other things I should be concerned with? Also, are there any other people on here that exercise regularly and may be affected by your AAA?

jdiane

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2003

Posts : 1177

Posted 8/17/2014 11:13 PM (GMT 0)

I can't say whether it is safe or not, only your cardiologist could tell you that really. Chances are they would be more conservative than any of us.

That being said, I would totally DO IT. Are you doing a Ragnar? Those relays are awesome! I have a bioprosthetic aortic valve and my AA is only 3.9, but I'd go for it. (they couldn't repair AA during valve surgery for me)

Do you use heart rate training? I'm not a runner myself. 5K is my long distance, on race day only, LOL. But I do a lot of yoga, pilates, cardio barre and TRX. The docs are always ultra conservative. However, anyone that tells you running is bad for your heart, I'd fire in a "heartbeat". :) I'd probably watch your heart rate and adjust your pace based on that, your meds won't allow you to get as high as most. so you might want to see if you can find some heart rate training materials for beta blocker peeps.

Proper training will be more important for you. Read up and train right you'll be gold.

Good luck and run like the wind!

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