Silly question perhaps

[Shasari]

I have seen a couple of references in personal stories about folks with aortic aneurysms and hot tubs.  I have not heard or been warned of possible issues by my cardiologist.  Are there any concerns with spending time in a hot tub if you have an aortic aneurysm (aside from simply concerns in general about spending too much time at high temps).

Anything special to be concerned about for aneurysm patients?  As noted, it's probably a really silly question.

[Flycaster305]

I have congestive heart failure after a failed heart bypass procedure and was warned to stay away from hot tubs as the hot water and possible chlorine gases that are breathed can affect the drugs we take.  I totally agree with skydnsr, sitting down in really warm water can't be good for anyone with heart issues.  Certainly, ask your doctor.

[skydnsr]

No, I haven't heard of any particular hot tub precautions for TAA patients.  I guess achillea hasn't either, and she's a smart cookie.  I definitely agree with achillea that hot tubs would be a good thing for someone to stay away from while healing from open-heart surgery.  I think I may have heard something about the possibility of blood pressure going too low in a hot tub, but that's pretty much the opposite of what you would be worried about with a TAA.  I just did a quick google and found precautions against letting yourself get overheated in a hot tub -- for instance, working up a sweat with strenuous exercise and then immediately sitting down neck-deep in hot water -- but that's inadvisable for anyone.  I also think there may have been a few cases of people getting drunk and passing out and drowning in hot tubs.  But I've never heard, nor can I really imagine, how hot tubbing would have any kind of direct adverse effect on an aneurysm.  Again if you have more detail, please let us know.    

[Shasari]

Well it was just a couple of anecdotal articles that mentioned some concern about being in a tub that was too warm - but then that would likely be a concern aneurysm or not.

If you've not come about any issues of concern regarding this, given your experiences you've shared with me in the past, it's likely I've nothing of concern more than the usual safety guidelines for hot tubbing.

Thanks,

~Dave

[Shasari]

Yes, I have a TAA just above my heart, involving the aortic root as well, but not yet a candidate for surgery.  Thanks for your reply.  I'd say if there's no cautionary information for pre-operatives, then I've likely nothing to be concerned about.  Just checking to be careful.  Thanks.

[achillea]

Have you been diagnosed with an aortic aneurism?  Someone in your family?

In any case, the only warnings I have seen about this concern post-repair wound care:  Don't swim or sit in a hot tub until the doc says it's OK.

You can find references to with a google search, as here:

http://www.uwhealth.org/healthfacts/B_EXTRANET_HEALTH_INFORMATION-FlexMember-Show_Public_HFFY_1105110082942.html

[skydnsr]

I have a keen interest in risk factors for thoracic aortic dissection, and I have not heard of this.  Can you please give us a little more detail?