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.