Should I have a cardiologist?

My cardiologist is following my heart aortic aneurysm. Sounds like with the other stuff going on, you should have your PCP refer you to a cardiologist.

There are cardiologists that specialize in aneurysms, you should consider finding one, he/she will have more answers to your questions and proper guidance, than your PCP. The 5.0 is a reference, there are other factors and a specialist cardiologist and, when appropriate, a thoracic surgeon would be able to guide you and advise you. I had surgery 4 years ago, mine was 5.2 as measured before surgery but the surgeon told me it was actually larger after he removed it. My cardiologist does his research in aortic aneurysms , bicuspid valves and genetics and there are no questions for which he doesn’t have a proper answer, it makes a big difference. Also, keep yourself healthy, exercise, if you smoke, quit, and overall watch your blood pressure. If and when you need surgery you want your body to be at its best

Wish you all the best!!

PCPs are great for a lot of things but I am 100% firm on wanting a cardiologist advising me on my thoracic aneurysm that is now 4.8cm. I am not panicky but it’s a very serious condition that requires specialization.

Thank you!!!

My two cents worth is yes you want a cardiologist and one you feel comfortable with. If you trust them then you can be more at ease day to day.

IMHO you need to see a cardiologist. My PCP is very good, but he doesn't routinely do EKGs. I've been seeing a cardiologist for years for high blood pressure. My aneurysm showed up unexpectedly and I was shocked because it seemed quite sudden to me. I'm at 4.2 and, of course, concerned, but trying to remain calm and keep my BP down. If I had your symptoms, I'd be requesting a referral to a cardiologist ASAP. Good luck. You're not in this boat alone.

My TAA was found almost two years ago (4.2) and not as large a measurement as yours. I was told at the time to have it checked every two years and given papers etc along with meds and dos and do nots. I telephoned my husband's cardio surgeon's office and had a nice conversation with the RN/Nurse Practitioner and for me this was fine. If it grows and there are any changes in my general health (I am 73) at that time I will ask for a referral. My family doctor has already ordered my contrast for October. If it was larger and there were other factors I would have requested a referral to a cardiologist two years ago then the TAA was discovered. If mine was a 4.5 or more it would have given me pause and I would have requested a referral.

That makes total sense! Thank you ou for sharing!

Thank you!!!

I am now at 4.5 (did not change the last year). I am not a doctor but have learned a lot since my condition was discovered at 4.0cm 3 years ago.
1- a local cardiologist to monitor the condition is very important.
2- depending on the rate of growth scans might need to be done more often.
3 - I am also in touch with a major university hospital and a thoracic surgery specialist/cardiologist who also monitors my scans and who I will go to for the surgery if/when needed. He was a 2 month wait for surgery. He considers surgery at 5.0 but again if the rate of increase goes up that might be reconsidered.
4 - reading the scans by radiologists is not that exact. The thoracic surgery specialist reads the CD himself to determine size and growth.