I would counter to you that the outcome will not be grim. I was diagnosed last year with an ascending aneurysm of 5.4cm which prompted surgery. Yes, I was anxious but my surgeon was confident and did a great job. I'd recommend staying in shape and have that aneurysm checked on a regular basis. If it grows >5cm, then get it fixed. I can attest that recovery after the procedure was tough but at 14 weeks post op, I am back doing everything I did before... and with a lot less worry that I will keel over dead unexpectedly.