Progressive Exercise Training After Aortic Dissection in a Recreational Athlete.

OBJECTIVE

Structured exercise training (ExT) has been shown to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and health-related quality of life and is safe in patients after surgery for type A aortic dissection (AD).

KEY STEPS: We detail the implementation of progressive ExT in a 56-year-old man former recreational triathlete 16 months after emergency repair of a type I AD, who had a residual descending aortic dissection. A home-based individualized ExT plan incorporated low- to moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise with progression to interval training.

POTENTIAL PITFALLS: Exercise is often limited or withheld in patients with previous AD because of concern that sudden blood pressure elevation may increase the risk of recurrent dissection or propagation of existing dissection. Patients, once medically optimized, need proper education to safely self-monitor and adhere to ExT.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: This case illustrates the potential feasibility, benefit, and safety of exercise after AD, and demonstrates the need to establish evidence-based guidelines.