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Besides managing BP, what else can slow the growth rate?
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: May 6 10:10am | Replies (45)Comment receiving replies
This is in reply to Bryan Fox: Is there anything more I can do to stop the growth.... I to have struggled with that question. My growth rate was measured at 4.4 (it was growing) and appears to have stabilized at a smaller 4.3. It was a Reassuring scan. I started taking collagen types 1 and 3, because I wanted to do "something". My BP is low, I have 0 CAD, I exercise regularly, no tobacco, and eat a plant based diet. I have been diagnosed with Familial TAAD. Its a good one to research for all with unexplained aneurysms. I do not have any of the known genetic markers, but that does not change my diagnosis of familial TAAD. There are numerous etiologies for ascending aneurysms, some of which can trigger aneurysms in other parts of the body, with only some showing the known genetic markers. As for me, I dont know if my collagen supplement makes any difference. It is a player in the integrity of the vascular wall and in the complex nitrous oxide exchange process, especially in some of the genetic anomalies associated with aneurysm disease. Too much for my brain! But this simple non-invasive daily act makes me feel a bit more in control. Plus my measurement appears to have stabilized after a year of using this supplement. So I plan to continue my behavioral interventions, including the supplement, and try to stay informed the best I can. However, everyone with an unexplained aneurysm should look up Familial TAAD and maybe consider genetic testing. Some of the known genetic markers can influence the repair algorithm. Discuss this with your cardiologists.
Happy Spring with lots of outdoor activity to all!!!
UPArtist
Replies to "This is in reply to Bryan Fox: Is there anything more I can do to stop..."
Thank you for informative comments.
Are the aneurysms you mention measured at their root?
I read on my echo aortic root diameter 3.5
And A O mean PG 4.3 ( mean aortic gradient)
Appreciate any info.
@upartist. Could you expand a little on how the Familial TAAD affects your treatment?
My husband has an aortic dilation. Like you, he has 0 CAD, exercises regularly, has never smoked and has eaten a mediterranean diet his entire life. I looked at the signs of Familial TAAD and he has a couple of them that are unusual, but not all the symptoms. We asked the PA at his aortic caregiver's office (not sure what the title is exactly) about genetic testing and she said it wouldn't make a difference in his care. I would like to hear what you have learned so that I can start to determine whether to bring it up with my husband. I think he is quietly extremely nervous about the dilation and I don't want to bring up the possibility of Familial TAAD unless/until I can determine what the change in treatment/outcome might be. Just interested in your experience as a place to start learning. Or perhaps a useful resource that you have found. Thanks in advance.
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Thank you - that's helpful. I'll ask my doctor when I have my next scans in August.