Hi guys I’ve booked a membership at the gym I’m 21 years old and have had an aortic valve replacement so it’s really hard for me to get advice on anything I’m looking to put on a fair bit of muscle and to be toned especially my chest has anyone got a routine or do’s and donts please?
I had my surgery on the 4th of October 2019
This is my favourite subject.
They key is finding a cardiologist/surgeon or doc who’s gonna support your goals despite your surgery.
I’ve had countless conversations with GP’s or family docs who clearly don’t know the current advice on training post aortic surgery, especially in someone young. It’s not their fault, it’s just not common enough of an area for general practitioners to be all over. But just expect some push back if you’re going to a family doctor for advice. When I told the last GP that I was back to benching bodyweight after surgery he was horrified. My surgeon, on the other hand, said “yeah good, get after it”.
The unfortunate reality is there is an expectation that someone who has such issues is usually older, and who won’t be training much anymore. The other consideration, alluded to above, is that we are all vastly different. One aneurysm or valve issue is different to the next. My condition might be such that weight lifting is in fact terrible for it. Other conditions like marfans syndrome- purely genetic, and you were always going to develop something.
It’s very frustrating, and I’ve spent many hours prying for info over the internet about how much can I lift? What rep range? Etc etc. There just isn’t the data. We know that pre op, heavy isometric weights are a definite no no. Breath holding too.
But regarding post op (I mean 12 months +) there isn’t anything to go off other than feels. Theoretically it seems like you should take it a bit easier given that BP does go up when you lift, but how much easier will vary from person to person given their training history.
Not much else you can do I’m afraid. Train, get your yearly checks, adjust accordingly.
My old man used to say - if you can’t take it easy, just take it.
