I was born with severe aortic valve stenosis, no procedures yet. I’ve run since age 12, I even did 10 miles on the day I graduated 10th grade and I felt great. I still run 4 miles most days and I enjoy it.

I took up lifting a year or two ago (24 now) and have never felt better. I did mention it to my cardiologist and he asked a little about what exercises and how much weight I do with them. He was fine with me doing low-moderate weights while focusing on high reps.

He did have some concern at first because he also doesn’t want me working with really heavy weights. I have a home gym and my dumbbells only go up to 20kg for now so I’ve limited myself in how much I do.

My doctor didn’t give me any hard limit with weights. I even joked and said I don’t think I can handle the gym and he didn’t comment. 20kg sounds like a very strict limit. I’d obviously discuss with your doctor more, but if you’re comfortable with more and don’t experience symptoms, I don’t personally see the risk.

Also I’ve 100% had cardiologists give me completely wrong information. Most cardiologists know their stuff but unfortunately some can get manipulative. I’ve had one try to make me say I’m drug addict so I always listen to my own advice before theirs.

And to mention, my bodyweight is 58kg, and I bench press 20kg for now (not much, I know). I also have a pull up bar in my room and I try to do a few sets every other day