waiting for surgery

[Nidavellir]

my husband is waitung for surgery for a very large thoracic aortic aneurysm and we don't know what to do re exercise etc

[Oboebec]

It's best to ask the cardiologist... advice seems to vary between them/different circumstances. I have a 4.5cm TAA & have barely any restrictions advised, but I know others with the same who have been advised differently!

[JulianM]

I was diagnosed three years ago by sports cardiologists with an ascending aortic aneurysm at 4.5-4.6cm, which is now 4.7-4.8, with an operation advised if/when it goes over 5.0cm. They advised me to keep exercising, but to avoid any heavy lifting or maximum intensity training or competition, and keep my heart rate below 80% of its maximum level. I have no symptoms, am still exercising (within the limits), and am also clearly facing surgery at some time.

The big question is exactly how large your husband's aneurysm is. If it is over 5.5cm, or over 5.0 (sometimes even less) with a connective tissue disorder, which is implied in your question, then the risk of any unusual surge in blood pressure goes up. So another question would be, how well controlled is his blood pressure? And what kind of exercise is he used to doing and able to do at present?

If the surgery is happening in the next few weeks, then the priority may be just staying mobile, and perhaps practising moves that will be important after surgery, like getting up from a chair without using his arms to help. But not doing anything that is really stressful or tiring.

If you are having trouble getting hold of the cardiologist or surgeon, there may be another member of the team who could talk to you, e.g. a cardiac nurse or a physiotherapist. Your GP might be able to advise, if you have a good relationship with them. Or you could talk to one of the nurses on the BHF helpline to discuss this further.

Very best of luck and I hope everything goes as smoothly as possible.

[Barle]

I have a rising aortic aneurysm and & faulty aortic valve. I have my initial assessment re possible surgery next week. In the meantime, my cardiologist has recommended that I needed to continue "gentle exercise" (to keep my heart fit) - limiting my heart rate to 100 bpm maximum. Walking is probably the best, and simplest, exercise. I bought a wrist fitness monitor which displays my heart rate during exercise. Only walking up steep hills gets me to 100 bpm - so I have to take hills slowly. Lifting heavy weights is out of the question.

I had high blood pressure, so was given an initial target of reducing my BP to 130/80 - preferably lower - via pills (Losartan/Amlodipine) plus lifestyle changes (diet, lower alcohol, reduced caffeine, etc). NB exercise is important in reducing blood pressure. I bought a BP monitor and monitor daily.

Ask his cardiologist or GP for some BP & HR targets plus guidance re exercise.

Hope this helps.

[SuZuS in reply to Barle]

Hi Barle, I’m new to this forum. Quick question, What is NB exercise ?

[Barle in reply to SuZuS]

Hi SuZuS, my apologies, I mean: "Note, exercise is important in reducing blood pressure. " Many of us with heart problems have the dilemma of finding the right level of exercise appropriate to our condition.

[Hidden]

As others have said, check with the Cardio team. Mine was 5.3 at Xmas and I waa advised to keep with gentle walks. By June it had reached 7 - no recommendation needed, I was wiped almost all of the time.

Good luck with the op and hope all goes well with recovery.

[Quoideneuf]

I agree to check with GP or cardiologist is a good plan. I had ascending aorta and arch replaced 6 months ago and pre the surgery I was conscious to balance being healthy for the op and also not to overdo the exercise - I was anxious that the aneurysm would rupture...but I continued to swim most days and walk a mile a day becuase no one gave me any different guidance. I think I just did what I was comfortable doing and if I got unusually breathless rested? Listen to your body? Good Luck 👍