Evaluation protocols? Yoga?

[judi67]

I am 67 years old, diagnosed two years with ascending thoracic aneurysm and mild to moderate aortic valve "leaking." The aneurysm is 4.5 cm. and has remained stable since diagnosis.  What is the preferred protocol in terms of ongoing evaluation.  I note that you sometimes (always?) recommend  evaluation at 3-6 month intervals.  Is this always the case, or does it depend on other indicators?

Also, does yoga fall into the category of "moderate" exercise?  And how is "heavy lifting" defined.  30 lbs?  40 lbs?

[kenkeith]

Statistics indicate a mean growth rate is about 0.10 cm/year. Median size at the time of rupture or dissection was 5.9 cm for ascending.  Follow up examinations at least every 6 months to determine the growth rate, etc.

Any activity that increase blood pressure should be avoided.  Heavy lifting falls into that category...excessive effort to lift would probably raise bp, moderate lifting wouldn't require much effort and no problem.  Yoga should be helpful as it is my understanding that routine relaxes and possibly decreases blood pressure!.