Exercise...

In my case I found that the measurements have some variance depending who is reading the scan. My most recent one showed 4.2 (radiologist report) but when reviewed my the senior thoracic specialist at a major university hospital, who I send them to for second opinion, he read 4.5 (does his own measurements). He expects surgery once it reaches 5.0. Before this condition was identified 3 years ago, I did a lot of road cycling. The senior specialist strongly recommended that I do not continue because I live in a mountain region and the rides involve a lot of strain due to elevation changes. I was also told to keep my heart rate under 120 and blood pressure under 120/80. Good to discuss with your cardio on best approach since everyone's specifics are different.

Hi, I saw this post today and wanted to ask a quick question. I am newly diagnosed and trying to navigate this whole process. I would like to have someone give me a second opinion on my scans, as you are having done. Can you tell me how you were able to establish this relationship and is this covered by your insurance? I think that your approach is very wise, as the measurements are so crucial. Any help you can give me is greatly appreciated, TIA. ~S

I was fortunate to have gone to the hospital for routine bi-annual heart checks in the past so I was an established patient and knew their capabilities. I no longer live in that state but reestablished contact with them once I was diagnosed. My insurance does not cover the remote/out of state consultations (review of scans) but will cover the cost of surgery if/when I go to them.

In addition to having a local cardiologist it is good to find and get a referral to a similar facility from your doctor, that has a lot of experience and resources for this specific complicated operation. A number of them are mentioned by people in this blog. Not only for a second opinion but to know where to go if you need them.

I'm a 78 yr. old woman, recently diagnosed with a 4.2 ascending aortic aneurysm. I'm very worried and would like to know how others have fared and what kind of surgery/intervention they've had.

Pamela - I’m a 71 year old male diagnosed with one about the size as yours going on four years now.
My Cardiologist’s approach has been to keep an eye on it using annual scans (or echos)
Its bounced around by about one or two cm with each test. My doctor is good with that and says the most important thing is to keep your BP under control, which I do. I also understand that you should not be lifting anything too heavy but I’m still trying to get a clear understanding of what is considered “heavy “. So it’s not a condition that I spend much time thinking about. Hope this helps. Bob

I had slightly elevated blood pressure like 128/ 90
i am now on 25 mg losartan and drink plenty of green and Hibiscus tea. I put it mainly down to the tea it seems to have dropped a lot more since starting to drink this tea i also understand the tea is good for keeping cholesterol down too which was high , i get a retest on the cholesterol in 6 months. With my Thoracic Aorta measurements. I started off finding it at 50 mm. Two months later after so much worry the cardioligist said they made a mistake and it 42mm since then i have had readings of 43 45 48. I recently did a fasting MRI nothing but water for 12 hours before and the latest measure was 43mm. I used to do heavy weights 63 kg dumbells but now i stick below 20kg

Mine was found at 4cm. I was told to have yearly exams to watch it. I was 68 at the time (I'm a female). While waiting for my one year exam (which actually was a few months past) I had an emergency aortic dissection. Immediate surgery. I am 70 now. Coming up on my 2 year anniversary. The surgery is open heart whether it is an emergency or elective. My intent is not to scare you but to give you confidence to manage your situation. I had not idea how serious this was. I had never heard of this condition. And I had a lot of luck and faith on my side along with highly qualified doctors at Mayo. Find a cardiologist or cardiovascular MD you like and trust and has connections to a good surgeon in a reputable heart center. Keep your blood pressure under control. I never had high BP and at times it was low. I had no other health problems and no symptoms. I was very active. Since my surgery I have been told not to lift, push, or pull anything that causes me to hold my breath, grunt, groan, strain or that I cannot do repetitions of. I do any of the same activities I did before my surgery. I adjusted some eating habits. I walk or bike EVERY day. I walk 1-2 miles and/or bike, normally around 13 miles. I swim, boat, ride a jet ski, ride horses, travel, garden, and so on. Best wishes. Remember you were living with the unknown before. The only difference is now you know. Trust your health care team.

Thank you for your detailed response. I've had a very nervous weekend and need more information, especially from my cardiologist. So many questions. I've been told to wait a year for another CT scan but that seems like a long way off, especially after reading what happened to you. I'm glad you had a good outcome.

@pamela78 Hi, I understand your worry as I was recently diagnosed as well. I'm only 57 and my dilation is 43mm. If I were you, I would ask to be monitored every 6 months at this point until they have a good read on how the dilation is growing. You can also pay out of pocket for a CT scan, they are roughly $100. I plan on asking the cardiologist for 6 months of monitoring and I am going to pay out of pocket for a CT after 3 and 9 months. Just until I know more.

If I can ease your mind, I read a study (mind you it was done on men), but the study looked at how quickly these things grow. On average the growth rate was only 0.1mm/year. Meaning it would take 10 years for the dilation to move from 42mm to 43mm. Of course, everyone is different. Many people never know they have one. Mine was found serendipitously through a CT scan. The good news is that you can monitor it and if something were to happen and you have a dissection, you can alert the medical professionals of your condition so they don't treat you for a heart attack or something else. I know it's scary, but the only thing that can hurt you right now is your thoughts about it. I have been meditating and it's been hugely helpful. Best of luck. Much health and happiness...xoxo. ~S

Thank you for your encouraging response. After an anxious weekend--and a spike in blood pressure--I was able to see my cardiologist this morning. I'm going to have a transesophageal echocardiogram next week with a follow up in Sept. I had a good conversation with my doctor and am feeling much better. I'm getting used to the idea of surgery down the line, but I'm not one to sit quietly if I need something. I'm getting more feisty in my old age. Ha. The squeaky wheel and all that. I've found that just being nice and cooperative while asking all the questions helps too. Good luck to you. Aren't we learning a lot, eh?--P