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Echo shows 4.1cm aortic root dilation- is it an aneurysm?
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: Jul 5 4:09am | Replies (9)Comment receiving replies
I was 68 when my aneurism was found (by accident). I was told it was a 4cm. Like you, I was for, active, no prior health issues, and the cardiologist said once a year checks. While waiting for an appointment I had an emergency aortic dissection and life flighted to Mayo (I live 2 hours away). I was repaired in 3 places, a 4.5cm at the time of surgery. I had the area at the base of the heart and where the arorta join repaired. They told me my valve was not involved and that was good news. Find a cardiovascular MD and a medical center that specializes in this surgery/care. Don’t panic. Keep your BP low, don’t lift anything that would cause you to hold your breath, grunt, groan, etc. be persistent and do your homework now so you have someone you trust to handle your condition. Best wishes.
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Many thanks to everyone whose replied! I wrote to my new cardiologist the other day, and much to his credit he quickly replied with the following response. Of note, I asked him if I have an actual diagnosis of aneurysm, and what if any restrictions I have.
"There is only a slight dilation of the aortic root. It's not an aneurysm.
- There are therefore no major restrictions on physical exercise, but it is advised that you do not engage in sports associated with static/isometric exercises such as weightlifting or intense training with weight machines in the gym. In terms of lifting loads, I advise, as a general rule, to avoid carrying heavy loads (we can use 10-20 Kg [5 to 10 kg on each arm] as a reference)...
- I only recommend repeating the echocardiogram after 6 month to one-year. If there is growth, there will be an indication for CT or MRI, but not yet. It is still a very mild dilation and we expect it will stay that way for a long period (as long as the blood pressures are kept well controlled)."
I should mention, that I no longer live in the US, but in a southern European country where English is not the first language. I sought out this particular cardiologist due to the fact he is a professor of medicine and is regarded as being prominent in the field. I'm only speculating here, but because this is Southern Europe, I'm guessing the culture here in medicine is rather paternalistic, and not what I'm used to in my many years of nursing in the US. That said, he's a lovely, affable and engaging gentleman. I am however somewhat surprised he did not review these precautions with me at the time of my visit, although he was not at all rushed and asked several times if I had any questions. As it was nearly 7:00 p.m. as we were concluding, I was rather hungry, and somewhat dehydrated from the vigorous activity on the stress treadmill machine. My question to this very kind and learned group is: should I seek a second/third opinion from another cardiologist, a cardio -thoracic surgeon, or both? With many thanks and kind regards to all !