Back to the gym after AVR

[Rick W]

I am almost 4 months post AVR. My cardio said no more than 25 lbs weight limit because of blood pressure spikes. He generally doesn't like use of heavy lifting with it being rough on the valve. For the first 6 months maybe, but I disagree with him when we talk about it one year from now. I tried convincing him I only use moderate weights and do more reps. I am still not clear with in my mind but I understand what he told me. Any one else out there doing weights that also has a tissue valve? How long did you wait? How much cardio workout do you do?
I would be grateful for any and all input.
Thanks,
Rick

 

[carista]

I just had AVR surgery 5 months ago and have being doing cardio right away, first I started just walking on treadmill at a slow pace and then once my cardio gave me the go ahead which was 8 weeks post op he told me I was able to do however much cardio I wanted as long as I felt fine during it and didn't get palpitations. So I've being doing 45-60 minutes on the elliptical everyday since 8 weeks post op and I feel great. As far as weight lifting he wanted me to wait 3 months and after that told me I could start lifting weights but to use no more than 15lbs and higher reps. He also told me absolutely no benching. So far I've been doing as told and everything seems to be going great, I feel wonderful. Hope this helps.

Carista

 

[Magnus]

I can only speak for myself, but I find the lack of a straight answers regarding weight lifting severely frustrating. My surgeon for example told me that normal weight lifting would be fine, just don't do it competitively. Others have been told to do absolutely none (or "15 lbs" as above).

So what happens to a construction worker or moving contractor who gets a new aortic valve? Does he blow it out clean after a couple of months of being back to work? Has anyone actually ever seen a case of a valve damaged from weight lifting?

 

[mntbiker]

My take on the weight lifting restrictions:

1) Valve - You need to wait until the area around the new valve has healed and everything is seated properly.

2) Aneurysm - if you had an aneurysm presurgery it is usually an indication of weaker tissue that can be more easily damaged by the changes in blood pressure that accompany lifting of heavy weights even after surgery.

As far as I know if the valve has been replaced and you have no problems with the aorta then there should be no issues with lifting weights post surgery provided you have given sufficient time for everything to heal.

Of course this is just my opinion.

 

[carista]

I did also have an ascending aortic aneurysm which was replaced and my cardiologist informed me that the reason for the weight restriction is because of the fact that it raises blood pressure which may cause an aneurysm elsewhere in the aorta since the tissue is weaker. I'm not positive as I am not a doctor, but I would think if you don't or didn't have a problem with the aorta then I don't believe there is a weight restriction. Of course I wouldn't take my word for it and check with a doctor to be sure. Although I am curious if your cardiologist does still think there should be a weight restriction even without the weaker tissue in the aorta why that would be. If you do find out I'm curious to know the reasons...

Carista