Exercise and blood pressure in people with thoracic aortic aneurysm

The Effect of Exercise on Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Blood Pressure Control.

This trial will test whether a supervised moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise program changes blood pressure responses in adults with thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Laval University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Québec, Quebec and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT04197648 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults with thoracic aortic aneurysm will participate in a supervised exercise program targeted at about 80% of the anaerobic threshold, with periodic monitoring of blood pressure and safety. Anthropometric and body composition measures plus blood pressure responses will be recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months to quantify changes over time. The protocol excludes patients with large or rapidly growing aneurysms, connective tissue disorders, significant renal impairment, or other major cardiovascular or musculoskeletal limitations. The main goals are to describe the blood pressure behavior during and after the exercise program and to document the intervention's safety in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (18+) with a thoracic aortic aneurysm measuring between 3.5 and 5.0 cm who are willing and able to participate in supervised exercise and meet the study's medical eligibility criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with an aortic diameter ≥5.1 cm, rapid aneurysm growth (≥0.5 cm/year), connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, prior aortic surgery, or major comorbidities are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could show that supervised aerobic exercise is safe and help define blood pressure limits and guidance so patients with thoracic aneurysms can exercise more confidently.

How similar studies have performed: High-quality data specific to thoracic aortic aneurysms are limited; most prior research is in abdominal aortic aneurysms and suggests aerobic exercise can be safe if blood pressure is controlled, while heavy isometric lifting should be avoided.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years and older
* Have an interest in participating in a supervised exercise training program
* Aortic diameter between 3,5 and 5 cm

Exclusion Criteria

* Glomerular filtration rate below 30 mL/min/1.73m²
* Aortic diameter greater than or equal to 5.1 cm
* Progression of aortic diameter greater than or equal to 0.5 cm per year
* Allergy to iodine
* Aortic valve bicuspidy
* History of aortic surgery or cardiac surgery
* Presence of an aortic dissection, penetrating aortic ulcer, or intra-mural hematoma of the aorta
* Presence of Marfan syndrome or other genetic and/or congenital disease explaining the thoracic aortic aneurysm
* History of stroke
* Presence of peripheral artery disease
* History and/or presence of aortitis
* Known diagnosis of temporal arteritis or rheumatoid arthritis
* Presence of a pacemaker
* Major cognitive limitation that may affect adherence to visits
* Musculoskeletal limitation that restricts participation in the training program

Where this trial is running

Québec, Quebec and 1 other locations

• Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval — Québec, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
• Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval — Québec, Quebec, Canada (Not_yet_recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Paul Poirier, MD — Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, University Laval
• Study coordinator: Paul Poirier, MD

Conditions Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm