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Dilated Ascending Thoractic Aorta- Growth from 4.0 to 4.3
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: Jun 8 10:25am | Replies (15)Comment receiving replies
I recently had an echocardiogram that showed that my thoracic aorta at 4.9 and an enlarged left atrium. I am a lifelong exerciser, including resistance training and cycling. I also have a high coronary plaque burden. My cardiologist said that we will follow-up in a year on the echocardiogram. I also have a couple of other heart tests in the works, a 14-day heart monitor for arrythmia and a CT heart angiogram in September. I don't know what to make of all this and have not considered reducing high intensity workouts, but maybe I should based on previous comments. At age 75, I don't want to unnecessarily push any envelopes.
I primarily cycle in Zone 2 (moderate level heart rate), but have been doing some high-intensity intervals a couple days a week. I do strength training 3 days a week with low weight/high volume and no straining except at the end of a set.
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With an aneurysm measuring at 4.9, you need to see a cardiologist at a major academic center that specializes in aortic aneurysms. Following up in a year with another echocardiogram sounds pretty "dicey" to me. I think that you are on dangerous ground if you follow this advice - just my opinion from our experience over the last three years and lots of reading of the medical literature. You definitely seem to be pushing the envelope particularly with your resistance training and the high plaque burden.
My husband is 80; his 4.8 thoracic aneurysm was diagnosed in 2021. He has been followed yearly (now) at Mayo with a CT angiogram with contrast. The echo is not as accurate as other modalities. My husband's aneurysm has been stable but the first year we came back every three months just to make sure it was stable.
Some surgeons would consider doing surgery with an aneurysm at 4.9 -- if other factors made it appropriate.
Best wishes and good luck. You need a second opinion from an expert in thoracic aneurysms.