Enlarged aortic root with a family history

Posted by annalisa1 @annalisa1, Dec 28, 2024

I am 59 yrs old, and just learned from an echocardiogram that my aorta measures 3.8 cm. I haven't spoken with the cardiologist yet, so I definitely have questions.

My brother suffered a 12" dissection a few years ago. He was very fit and the surgeon told us that must be the only reason he survived, because it was against all odds.

I am very active, but am on meds for blood pressure and cholesterol.
I am concerned not so much by just the size, but of the family history of heart disease and aortic dissection.

I'm hoping the doctor will be very clear with me because it will require great change to limit my physical activity to the level I have read about. And, to limit the coffee/caffeine that keeps me going. 😳

Should I request a CT scan to get a more precise measurement?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aortic Aneurysms Support Group.

pegsterb | @pegsterb | Dec 29, 2024

In reply to @annalisa1 "Thank you, for responding, and for the information! I have a lot to think about. I..." + (show)

I would be a little concerned taking stimulants with an aortic aneurysm. Side effects of stimulants are increased heart rate and blood pressure. Those are two things you need to lower with an aneurysm. I hope you find your answers and the treatment you need.

23997929 | @23997929 | Dec 29, 2024

I have noted this before in this forum but do keep in mind that different doctors and radiologists come up with different reading on the same CT scan. As much as 5mm in my case.

moonboy | @moonboy | Dec 29, 2024

In reply to @annalisa1 "Thank you, for responding. If you don't mind me clarifying, you had surgery at that point?" + (show)

It was 42 minutes from the time I felt sudden excruciating pain, like tearing the skin off of my back, to being cracked open for emergency open heart surgery. UCSD La Jolla, June 28, 2015. They left me open but covered with a rubber sheet over the sternotomy for 3 days and then went back in to deal with some leakage around the graft. Then they buttoned me back up, left me in a coma for a few weeks, and I have been thriving ever since (albeit after 2-3 years of slow recovery).

pamela78 | @pamela78 | Dec 30, 2024

In reply to @annalisa1 "Thank you, for sharing! I'm glad you mentioned the lifestyle changes you are making. I had..." + (show)

It was my rheumatologist who told me to avoid ibuprophen and take Tylenol instead.

pegsterb | @pegsterb | Dec 31, 2024

In reply to @pamela78 "It was my rheumatologist who told me to avoid ibuprophen and take Tylenol instead." + (show)

My cardiologist told me about the ibuprofen. It was always my drug of choice. 🙂 The more I research, the more I find things that I need to avoid. I have osteopenia and I was taking a D3/K2 supplement for my bones. Can't take K2 with an aneurysm. It could potentially contribute to the progression of the aneurysm by increasing vascular calcification. D3 is good. I also have osteoarthritis and I was taking Collagen peptides for hip discomfort. Can't take that because it could potentially worsen the aneurysm by affecting the structural integrity of the aortic wall.
Crazy that you have something growing inside you that you didn't know you had. Now you know and you have to find what things are good and what to avoid. I don't take any other supplements, so I'm good there. I'm grateful for my diagnosis. This blog is also very useful for gathering information from the experiences of others.
Happy New Year!!

kathyflo | @kathyflo | Jan 1 7:55am

In reply to @pegsterb "My cardiologist told me about the ibuprofen. It was always my drug of choice. 🙂 The..." + (show)

Can you provide links to studies that support your cautions about ibuprofen and other supplements? I'm curious about this but neither my cardiologist nor cardiac surgeon has mentioned this as a precaution for my 4.2 ascending aortic aneurysm. Thanks!

annalisa1 | @annalisa1 | Jan 1 11:21am

In reply to @pegsterb "My cardiologist told me about the ibuprofen. It was always my drug of choice. 🙂 The..." + (show)

You have been super helpful, and encouraging!
I am not taking any supplements, but I am on several meds.
I'll have to discuss those w my doctors.

I haven't been hyper focused on having a dissection, but I have been trying to wrap my mind around a possible/probable open heart surgery in my future. I know I'm jumping the gun, but the aortic root involvement, and the family history have me concerned.
I'm not panicked, but my mind is actively trying to process what information I have at this point.
The feedback is very comforting.
Thank you again, and Happy New Year!!

lsquared1004 | @lsquared1004 | Jan 2 9:56am

In reply to @kathyflo "Can you provide links to studies that support your cautions about ibuprofen and other supplements? I'm..." + (show)

I've been told to avoid NSAIDs, but not because of my aortic aneurysm.

1. I've been told to avoid them because they can increase chances of heart attacks/strokes for anyone, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/expert-answers/nsaids-heart-attack-stroke/faq-20147557. I have major osteoarthritis and have taken them much longer than my doctor would like. But for me, it's a quality of life issue. Tylenol doesn't always go far enough in alleviating my pain.

2. I was also told to avoid them when on BP meds because they can increase your blood pressure and also put more stress on the kidneys. If you are on BP meds, you might want to check online for contraindications for what you should avoid while on them.

kathyflo | @kathyflo | Jan 2 4:45pm

In reply to @lsquared1004 "I've been told to avoid NSAIDs, but not because of my aortic aneurysm. 1. I've been..." + (show)

Thank you for your input.

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