Aortic Root Dilatation

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

Gentlemen,

Is there a relationship between recreational barbell training and aortic root dilatation in the patient that is generally healthy and without pre-existing conditions (i.e. Marfan’s)? If the aortic root does undergo dilatation, what degree of risk does this pose?

There isn’t a ton of data out there, but I was able to find a meta analysis. This meta analysis, of mostly elite athletes, suggests that though there is some dilatation, it’s clinically non-significant.

A meta-analysis of aortic root size in elite athletes
Circulation. 2013 Feb 19;127(7):791-8. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.112.000974. Epub 2013 Jan 15.’

I don’t think this is adequate evidence to support the notion of telling people to avoid lifting. But I would appreciate your thoughts.

O_F

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Is there a relationship between recreational barbell training and aortic root dilatation in the patient that is generally healthy and without pre-existing conditions (i.e. Marfan’s)?

I’m not aware of any evidence to suggest that this is the case.

As you noted, the findings in the meta-analysis were not clinically significant, and would not justify advice to modify or discontinue training on their own.

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