Dr. Mark J. Russo, MD, MS - Heart Surgeon
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          • Can I still exercise if I have an aortic aneurysm or a chronic aortic dissection?
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          • What are aortic aneurysms?
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          • Can I still exercise if I have an aortic aneurysm or a chronic aortic dissection?
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_Can I still exercise if I have an enlarged aorta, an aortic aneurysm, or a chronic aortic  dissection?

Exercise is encouraged in people with aortic disease, including aortic aneurysm and chronic aortic dissection.  In fact, exercise can be help reverse the processes (eg, atherosclerosis and hypertension) that contribute to aneurysm formation.  Low intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, has benefits to the heart, lungs, and blood pressure control, while presenting minimal risk for aortic catastrophe (eg, aortic rupture or aortic dissection) in  people with aortic disease.

Some other types of exercise should be avoided.  These include exercises that flex and extend your spine, such as situps, because they place excessive pressure in your aorta and abdominal cavity.  Furthermore, there is good evidence to suggest that heavy lifting, including weight-training (eg benchpressing, squats, and pullups), may put people with aortic disease at increased risk of aortic rupture or aortic dissection . An aortic disease specialist should advise you on a specific exercise program that is best for you individually.

For more lifestyle recommendations, visit IRAD online.
Related Links

What is an enlarged aorta?  
An enlarged aorta is also known as an aortic aneurysm...

What is transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)?  
TAVI also known as transcatheter aortic valve reimplantation (TAVR)...

Can I exercise if I have an enlarged aorta, aortic aneurysm, or chronic dissection?  
Though some types of exercise should be avoided, exercise is generally encouraged...

Who should be screened for an aortic aneurysm?
Most people with aortic aneurysms experience no symptoms...

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Mark J Russo, MD, MS
 Chief, Cardiac Surgery

Director, Structural Heart Disease
Associate Professor of Surgery
​
​Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Expert in Complex Aortic  Disease, Valve Surgery,
​Transcatheter Aortic Valve Repalcement (TAVR) , and Mitraclip
​125 Paterson St
​New Brunswick, NJ 08901
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(c) Mark Russo 2019