AORTIC BISCUPID AND EXERCISE?

[fieldsd]

I've been diagnosed with Aortic Bicuspid condition.  I'm getting ready to start an intense exercise routine including heavy weight lifting to try and increase my weight and was wondering how this condition will affect my results.  Am I naturally a skinny person because of the aortic bicuspid and will I have difficulty gaining significant weight even with a proper diet and lifting routine?  Also I plan to supplement with creatine and was wondering if this will cause any problems for my condition?  Thanks so much for your answer.

Dan

[Avel]

Hi Dan,
I want to share some information with you that may be helpful. First of all, here is the location of a very good overview of bicuspid aortic disease. This work is from the U of Toronto and was published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation last year. http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/106/8/900?eaf

My husband lifted wieghts for a good part of his life, knowing that he had a heart murmur, but not knowing that his aortic valve was bicuspid. You can find an account of his experience at
http://www.westga.edu/~wmaples/velebir_arlys.html This website is a support group. You can reach me via email at this URL if you would like to get in touch. While there is still much that is not understood regarding bicuspid aortic conditions, certain centers of excellence are focusing on this condition and helping their patients safely lead normal, active lives.

Best wishes to you.

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

Dan,

Thanks for the post.

Many patients with bicuspid aortic valves suffer no ill effects.  However, each patient with this condition is different; therefore it is impossible to make a comment about how weight lifting will affect you without more history from you, such as your age, other medical conditions, functional status of the valve, etc.  If your valve is bicuspid, but is otherwise functionally normal (meaning no stenosis or regurgitation), then you will likely tolerate weight lifting just fine, but it is extremely important that you discuss an exercise regimen with your doctor before beginning.  As an example, bicuspid aortic valves are occasionally associated with Marfan's syndrome.  Weight lifting may be dangerous in these patients.

Your body shape is probably not affected by the bicuspid valve, but the possibility exists because of the association between bicuspid valves and Marfan's syndrome.

Creatine has been associated with adverse affects in some users.  I do not have expertise with this drug, and cannot comment on its safety for you.  A sports medicine physician would be the appropriate person to ask.

Hope that helps.