Riding roller coasters/ amusement park rides with BAV and ascending aortic aneurysm

[HopefulHeart]

Hello everyone! I'm taking my children to Disney World this summer. They've told me they want to ride the roller coasters they have there as well as some of the other "wild" rides. I have BAV and an ascending aortic aneurysm of 4.2 cm which is stable. And I'm on blood pressure meds. I'm in good health other than the heart stuff. If you were me, would you avoid the roller coasters due to the heart conditions?? Have any of you with a condition like mine been able to ride roller coasters or did you avoid them and stick to the slow, tame rides?? Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[AZ Don]

FWIW I rode Disney roller coasters without knowing I had an aortic aneurysm and never had a problem. I wouldn't think Disney roller coasters would be an issue for someone with a mild aneurysm, but I suggest that you discuss with your Dr.

 

[mainframe]

A few months before my second surgery I went to Vegas. My brother and I went on the roller coaster on top of New York New York casino as well as the Big Shot on top of the Stratosphere. I wasn't worried at all about the roller coaster but sitting in the chair prior launch on the Big Shot I though "this could be it", though I worried more about a heart attack then an aortic tear, LOL. I found out later my aneurysm measured 4.9 prior to surgery.

 

[rufus]

I'm pretty sure that the individual rides give warnings / restrictions as to whether it is suitable for someone with a heart condition/ neck / back etc. Although you say you are in good health other than the 'heart stuff' I'm not sure I'd chance the rides which do have a warning for those with heart conditions. I appreciate your condition is stable but is it really worth the risk of being on a ride with your children that 'experts' have advised is not suitable for those with a heart condition.

Im sure there will be plenty of rides that don't have restrictions and I would stick to these just in case, you and your family want good memories of the holiday.....

 

[MrsBray]

I would definitely check with your cardiologist! I gave up riding coasters for about 2 years prior to surgery because I started to "gray-out" at the bottom of the hills. The first time I blacked out was the last time I rode. My surgeon is a bit of a thrill junkie, as I am. He and I had some very frank discussions prior to surgery, and he was enthusiastic about me riding after surgery. My advice to you: check with your doctor. If you don't check with your doctor, then I suggest you heed the warnings posted at each ride.

 

[cewilk]

I rode roller coasters before I had OHS to repair my BAV and aortic anuerysm and I rode them after surgery. Specifically rollercoasters at Busch Gardens and Six Flags which are considered intense thrill rides. I did feel a bit more light headed after the ride but after a couple minutes I was good. I say enjoy yourself and ride what you want. You gotta keep living your life right?