Ascending Aortic Aneurysm & Weight Lifting

[edprof]

I am a 60 year old male who learned 3 years ago that I have an ascending aortic aneurysm, 4.1 to 4.3 root to arch. My cardiologist has monitored it by annual CAT Scans and bi-annual echos.  My BP is under control 110/70, with a low dosage beta blocker and Atacand.  I also stopped all weight lifting---something that I have done for over 35 year.  Recently, i have the urge to weight lift as my upper body has literally shrunkj.  My question is if I restricted my lifting dumb bells only,  a max of 30 minutes 3x per week and not to exceed 25 pounds, would i be putting my self at any risk?  I speed walk every day for an hours and i have no other restrictions.  I would like to build up some upper body strength.  

[Cornbread55]

I am aware that you should not do heavy weight lifting with an ascending aortic aneurysm but what about resistance bands?  It gives a pretty decent upper body workout but not sure it causes a spike in blood pressure.  I would think it would be similar to rowing.  Any thoughts?

[Yo4700]

I agree with kenkeith that you should probably avoid the heavy weightlifting.  If one is available, an exercise though you might be able to try is exercising on a rowing machine.  Although it is an aerobic exercise, you will benefit from some upper body strength and toning as well.  Have you ever noticed any symptoms such as back pains from your aneurysm?

[kenkeith]

Regular aerobic exercise helps control blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for aortic dissections and ruptures of aortic aneurysms.
Avoid weight lifting...Weight lifting causes temporary increases in blood pressure that could potentially result in an aortic dissection or rupture.

Weight lifting causes temporary increases in blood pressure that could potentially result in an aortic dissection or rupture. I take blood pressure control medication, and that includes coreg.  I lift weights and treadmill exercise and my heart rate and blood pressure and heart rate doesn't not get very high.  If you have controlled bp, you may want to ask your doctor before resistance training.

Have you had serial testing for a growth pattern?  The 4.1 to 4.3 cm is not very large, but it is in the risk category.