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Newly diagnosed ascending and descending aorta
Hello,
I am a new member. 61 yr old female with recent diagnosis of a 3,92cm Aorta sinus of Valsalva and a 3.84cm ascending aorta, trace aortic valve and mitral valve regurgitation, and mildly dilated Left atrium. I have been on blood pressure meds since mid twenties for hypertension and BP has always been well controlled. Yearly blood work always showed hdl/ldl within good range and cholesterol not flagging as high. Never smoked in my life. I have been seeing a cardiologist for the last 3 yrs due to shortness of breath/occasional tightness in chest when exercising. I had an heart cath, test 3 yrs ago and was all clear. My last stress test came back stating further eval. needed. So, I had a CT scan which was normal. Next did a calcium test which came back with a score of 61. Cardiologist stated to continue to monitor, do mediterranean diet, exercise more and recheck in a year. I looked at him and asked what was the estimated life span based on the calcium score and he replied we would need to do an echo cardiogram to comment on this. Needless to say, the echo test results shocked me. I kind of feel like I have a ticking time bomb in my chest so trying to read up on this to be more educated and calm the fears. The cardiologist just advised by phone that we will do another echo test again in 6 months to see if the aneurysms sizes change and that no action is taken until the aneurysm reaches 5cm. It's hard not to think about this off and on. Any advice is welcomed. Thanks, Diane
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Until you get used to the ticking time bomb, you'll be nervous. Even once you adjust, you'll still think about it everyday. But you know what's going on and that's critically important. This group is great because we all have the same condition at different stages. We understand, we know a lot (at least a few of us do--Moonboy), and I rely on this company everyday.
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1 ReactionGet a referral to a thoracic surgeon at a mejor heart care center near you. Consult with her/him on surgery necessity and/or potential. CT Scans with contrast are probably the best imaging tool to see changes. Surgery is not usually indicated until you are at 5.0cm but that can depend upon your size, etc. You're going to be fine. Listen to a THORACIC SURGEON and your whole medical team. They know best. Nayo, Cleveland Clinic, U of M Twin Cities, UCSD LA Jolla, U T Houston. Peace.
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2 ReactionsI will - Thank you 🙂
Yes, I am very happy to find this group. Thank you
No one ever mentions Duke Medical Center. Does anyone know anything about that?
Does anyone have any information or rating about Ascension Saint Thomas Heart in Nashville?
I have an appointment next month at Duke. I'll try to share my experience once I find out more.
Great. I'd really appreciate that. Good luck. I hope things go well for you.
I am inspired by your story and encourage you to try Reiki for calming and clearing. I am a Reiki master, (3rd level attunement and 29 years practicing), and I’m finding great calm and comfort from doing Reiki on myself and others. I’m just beginning my travels with a recent finding of an aortic aneurysm, and having experienced other findings of my physiology throughout my lifetime the Reiki has helped me manage through it all.
I send you positive energy through this journey and please know you’re certainly not alone.🙏☺️🌀