Locations:
Search IconSearch

Can I Drive, Exercise or Have Sex if I Have an Aneurysm?

When to limit your activity and when not to

Romantic elderly couple relaxing together and lying down in bed

If you have an aneurysm, you may not feel that bulge in your blood vessel, but it may always be in the back of your mind.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Aneurysms occur because of a weakened wall in an artery — most commonly your aorta, the main artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. An aneurysm can grow as blood pressure increases. If it grows too large, it can become more likely to burst or split open, which can be life threatening.

So, keeping your heart rate and blood pressure under control is the No. 1 way to try to manage an aneurysm and keep it as small as possible. That’s why some people think they shouldn’t be too active or do anything too strenuous if they have one.

But that’s not so, says vascular surgeon Federico Parodi, MD.

“The most important thing I tell my patients with aortic aneurysms is to have a normal life,” he says. “Very rarely do I advise patients to change their normal activities.”

Activity guidelines

Actually, there are no official activity guidelines for people with aneurysms. However, Dr. Parodi has some recommendations.

“If you have a small aneurysm, 4 cm wide or smaller, there are no restrictions on your activity,” he says. “If your aneurysm gets bigger, you may need to be a little more careful, but the main thing is to work with your cardiologist or primary care provider to control your blood pressure.”

Advertisement

Large aneurysms (5-5.5 cm for abdominal aortic aneurysms and 5.5-6 cm for thoracic aortic aneurysms) need to be surgically repaired.

If you have a larger aneurysm and are getting closer to repair, it’s still ok to stay active.

These activities are usually safe to do, he says, even with a growing aneurysm:

  • Moderate exercise, like walking, cycling or swimming.
  • Lifting light or medium weights.
  • Traveling, including driving and riding in an airplane.
  • Doing gardening, yard work or housework.
  • Playing golf or tennis.
  • Having sex.
  • Riding amusement park rides.

“More than 90 percent of the time, whatever you’d do without an aneurysm is safe to do with an aneurysm,” says Dr. Parodi.

One thing to avoid

But there is one general rule: Don’t lift more than half your weight. At least not routinely.

“For most patients, if you need to help move a big table or chair one time, go ahead,” says Dr. Parodi. “Just avoid repetitively increasing your heart rate and blood pressure, like consistently doing extreme weightlifting.”

When is activity too much?

It’s easy to tell when an activity is too much. It’s when your heart is pounding and you can’t catch your breath, says Dr. Parodi.

“If you have an aneurysm, stop yourself before you reach that level of exhaustion,” he says. “Otherwise, lead your normal life. Don’t feel like you can’t go out to dinner or out for a walk. Activity is good for your cardiovascular health, even with an aneurysm.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person spotting a person doing an inclined bench press in gym
November 22, 2024/Exercise & Fitness
Here’s How To Do a Bench Press Correctly

Pulling your shoulders back and controlling the weight’s descent are key to a good bench press

Female reclining on couch holding laptop, having video appointment with healthcare provider
November 8, 2024/Sex & Relationships
Dealing With Vaginal Rips and Tears After Sex

Most tears down there are mild and heal on their own, but some require medical treatment

Hand pouring scoop of supplement powder into shaker, with blurry pills on the counter
November 5, 2024/Exercise & Fitness
Is the Creatine Loading Phase Worth Doing?

The method can bring faster strength gains, but it’s not necessary

Adding spoonful of allulose to mug of coffee
November 4, 2024/Nutrition
What You Need To Know About Allulose

Although allulose is an FDA-approved sugar substitute, more research is needed to understand its safety

Female looking over their shoulder, with oversized tube of gel and x'd out sperm
October 28, 2024/Women's Health
Birth Control Gel: Effectiveness and How It Works

Birth control gel is simple to use and an effective method for preventing pregnancy

People using elliptical machines in a gym
October 22, 2024/Exercise & Fitness
10 Ways an Elliptical Machine Benefits Your Health

This low-impact, full-body workout burns calories and is easy on your joints

Couple raking leaves in their front yard by their house
October 16, 2024/Orthopaedics
Tips To Avoid Back Pain From Raking Leaves

Using proper form and the right equipment can help keep you injury-free while gathering up that colorful foliage

Person wearing a mask with a germ symbol on their sweater, walking their dog outside
October 7, 2024/Exercise & Fitness
Is It OK To Exercise With COVID-19?

You can work out with mild COVID-19, but not in a gym, and listen to your body and don’t overdo it

Trending Topics

Person touching aching ear, with home remedies floating around
Home Remedies for an Ear Infection: What To Try and What To Avoid

Not all ear infections need antibiotics — cold and warm compresses and changing up your sleep position can help

Infographic of foods high in iron, including shrimp, oysters, peas, cream of wheat, prunes, eggs, broccoli, beef and chicken
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Person squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water
Is Starting Your Day With Lemon Water Healthy?

A glass of lemon water in the morning can help with digestion and boost vitamin C levels, and may even help get you into a better routine

Ad