Ascending aortic aneurysm

Hi -
I am a 50 yr old male w/hypertension (avg 140/90 with ACE inhib & calcium chan blkr); I have never smoked and my BMI is 24.  I was recently diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm (4.1 cm), and told to avoid lifting over 30 lbs, with no running, cycling or swimming.  Until recently, I was a competitive triathlete & marathon runnerand used to about 20 hrs/wk of  aerobic exercise.  These restrictions seem rather draconian.  I thought that unless one were sprinting, that it was very difficult to elevate heart rate and BP from swimming laps; I agree with the cycling and running restrictions.  What are your recommendations to lower my blood pressure (it has always been this level even with a resting HR of around 40 BPM), and what level of exercise is appropriate?

Regards,

John

[edprof]

Hi,
59 now, at 56 during a routine ECHO i learned that i had an AAA of 4.1x4.2.  probably related to undiagnosed prehypertension.  Went to Cleveland clinic for second opinion---they were great.  From what i have learned, it is good to keep your BP and HR kind of low and make sure your bad cholesterol is low---less than 70.  the meds i am on include a beta blocker which keeps my Heart rate steady and low--around 55, and BB's have a heatlthy overrall effect on the heart, and an Angiotensin II BP med which helps the blood vessels relax.  MY BP has been 105/65 for the past 3 years, no changes in the aneurysm, i jog daily and do light lifting ---about 20-25 lbs 3 times per week. The Cleveland clinic was good for me --learned alot about my situation.  Good luck