← Return to Dilated Ascending Thoractic Aorta- Growth from 4.0 to 4.3

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@charlanepj

I was 67 when had been diagnosed with a 4cc aortic aneurysm by accident. They were doing X-rays for a kidney condition when it was found. I was told they don't do anything until it reaches a 5. We did do blood tests, looked at family history, heart health, and an TEE. All was good. Let's get you scans once a year. A year later while waiting for the appointment card for scans I had an emergency aortic dissection and was life flighted to Mayo. I went to my ER because I was sweating quickly, lightheaded, and my eyes felt funny. Eventually I began to vomit. My Mayo surgeon said my aorta measured 4.5. I had three repairs done. My point is you never know. An aorta problem does not mean a heart problem. I have no heart problems. From what I understand is they want the blood pressure down so blood flow does not beat against the wall of the aorta. Sudden lifting raises the blood pressure. But when you walk, bike, swim, etc. and gradually increase your heart rate that is a different issue and it is good for you to keep active. I recommend you visit with your doctor and ask questions until you understand what he thinks would be to your benefit. I am now 70.5. I feel good. I walk, bike or swim daily. My weight wasn't terrible but I have kept 10 pounds off. I will live daily with it could happen again. But every day is a gift anyhow. This is an unpredictable condition. Trust your medical staff.

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Replies to "I was 67 when had been diagnosed with a 4cc aortic aneurysm by accident. They were..."

@charlanepj - What were you doing when the aneurysm dissected? How far away are you from Mayo? Did you have any input into where they sent you? I live in a very remote area. The nearest hospital that does any kind of cardiac surgery is two hours away. There is a local hospital that does stabilization ... there is a cardiologist. So I worry about what would happen if I had a dissection. The hospital two hours away does do cardiac surgery. I know they have done emergency dissection surgery before. Yet I would prefer to go to a larger center if I had any input. Of course, I imagine it's dictated by the severity of the dissection. I have also heard that sometimes there is no bed at a hospital you might prefer the surgery to be performed at.