It's Topic Tuesday

Good morning everyone and welcome back! Today we will be discussing about activities, particularly winter activities, that are considered safe or unsafe with the upcoming winter season.

First and foremost, it remains that preventive measures are most important for patients who have an aortic aneurysm or are recovering from an aortic dissection. These important practices include embracing a heart healthy lifestyle including no smoking, controlled blood pressure, regular checkups, no heavy lifting, and safe exercising (biking, walking, isometrics).

There have been research that show that the risk for aortic dissection is higher during winter months. Whether that has to do with upper respiratory infections such as influenza or higher blood pressure during winter months due to less compliance with prescription medication refills, doctors visits, or unclear reasons, it is crucial that several lifelong activity restrictions continued to be followed. This is because if there is an aneurysm or even after the aorta is repaired or replaced following a dissection, the remaining aorta is at risk for further complications, including aneurysm, rupture or recurrent dissection.

Routine exercise is important for physical and emotional health. In general, it is important to avoid activities that may raise your blood pressure. Several winter activities such shoveling snow, skiing, snowboarding, chopping wood, are not safe. These activities require a lot of effort or exertion and will subsequently raise your blood pressure.

If you have any concerns or questions, please discuss any activity concerns with a member of your care health team who monitors your cardiovascular health.

This is what we have for today! Thank you as always for tuning in and please join us back here next week. Have a wonderful week ahead and stay healthy.

Duc