Abdominal Aorta stenosis

@manisham I think you need to see a vascular surgeon for aortic stenosis/aneurysms of any kind. If surgery suggested, ask if there are any other less invasive options (like getting a stent) because surgery is very risky - many do not survive it.

In any case a vascular specialist should be keeping a watch on it.

Thank you! I just made an appointment with my Vascular Surgeon who had operated on my carotid artery! I am hoping for the best!

Hello @manisham, I'd like to invite @happilyalive and @seniormed who both mentioned aortic atherosclerosis on Mayo Clinic Connect to share their experiences and what they have learned along the way.

@manisham, it sounds like you have taken the steps that @rashida had suggested in getting an appointment scheduled with a vascular surgeon. @manisham, you mentioned you did some research before you appointment with your Cardiologist, is that an appointment you have already had? Were any suggestions given for the short-term management or precautions for this finding?

Thanks for asking me to inform you regarding what I've learned along the way with my atherosclerosis. My General Practitioner and I spoke about this during my last appointment. I mentioned how I don't want to have a heart attack and was looking to deal with the atherosclerosis that was found earlier and the triglycerides that do not seem to lower no matter what I've done to aid it along the way. They have been very high all of my life even with medication, diet and exercise. He put me on Icosapent ethyl 1-gram capsules, added Folic Acid since mine was low and also B12 which he had previously taken me off of since my numbers were very high while being on it (1500). He also wanted me to do a calcium test which showed that I'm in the 90% range of people my age having a heart attack in the next 3-5 years. He didn't give me a referral to a Cardiologist though as he said that there are few doctors in our area in that field and the appointments were very difficult to get unless a person is an emergency case for a heart attack or in serious trouble with their heart in some other way. He wants to watch my numbers and told me that I'm already doing everything else correct in trying to lower the number and risks of the heart attack. So, it was disappointing that I'm at that high of risk for a heart attack without there being more help for it. He also said that if the calcium score gets above 300 then he will send me to the cardiologist anyway but right now my numbers were 222. So, I'm working harder now to eat more fruits and veggies but am always looking for ways to improve my life and not have a heart attack or stroke. That's not something I wish for. I'm always open to suggestions, advice and any research that anyone has done. Thanks for asking, listening and I wish you well.

Thank you Justin for your reply! Original incidental finding was done while traveling to Scottsdale AZ. Dr. there suggested that I should contact my Dr as soon as I return since we were leaving in two days after my ground fall which triggered the full body scan in emergency room. I do have an appointment with Vascular surgeon on 6/27! I also have reg 6 month check up appointment with my cardiologist, which was made before this incidental finding. I thought once my VS gives me some insight of what is going on and meaning of it all, I can call my cardiologist. I am hoping he should be able to tell me if I need earlier appointment with my cardiologist ! Is that a right thing to do? I seem to find on Google, chatgpt, and AI sites, ( did more out of curiosity then for diagnosis purpose) more information on Aorta aneurysm but not on .5cm aortic stenosis! Some site says that narrowing of aorta to .5 cm can turn into aneurysm! I don’t understand how us that possible !! When one is narrowing and other is bulging!!!To be honest, I hoping that this is a false positive result by faulty scan machine. 🙏But I will keep my appointment with VS regardless! He is checking my carotid arteries (sonogram) since there is some narrowing there too, on reg basis, after I was operated on it once two year ago, already! I appreciate any advice and guidance! Thank you once again!

Thank you for very helpful information on medications. I will mention it to my cardiologist next time I see him. I have familial high cholesterol. My Lipoprotein (a) is in 160 range. I am on bimonthly Repatha shots which is controlling my LDL and total cholesterol! I do not have diabetes or weight problem. 5’2” with under 118-120 lbs. I exercise daily, cardio and walk 2-3 miles/day etc. yes me too I am open to advice and guidance and understanding of what aortic narrowing to .5cm is vs aneurysm! Thank you once again!

Thank you for updating me on yourself. I will bring up Rapatha shots to my GP the next time I'm in there. Just had a blood workup and the LDL has only lowered by 5 points, so not enough. I am 5'6" and weigh 130, so not overweight and am always on the move since I'm my hubby's caregiver. I do have diabetes, am autoimmune and have ckd but the cholesterol I've always had so probably genetic. How long before the Repatha began lowering the LDL? Keep up the great work on yours and update often. You are important. Have a blessed day.

Hi @manisham You are processing a lot right now. I am so, so sorry you are dealing with this while you are recovering from your fall. Stitches in your forehead do not sound fun.

I have genetically pesky cholesterol that has really been challenging, though not the cardiac arrests and stents like you have. Elevated LP(a) runs in my family so I am familiar with it, though mine is normal. I am wondering how your drugs come into play with your atherosclerosis. I read your comments and just want to encourage you to keep doing what you are doing! It sounds like your lifestyle helps you be as healthy as you can. I do know it keeps you on top of being able to monitor any changes happening in your body, a first line of triage helping your doctors help you.

How is your recovery going from your fall, and when is your vascular surgery appointment? I guess I am wondering when you last made changes to the medications you take since they play a key part of what our arteries look like. Have you had a chance to discuss your narrowed abdominal aorta to your doctor that prescribes your treatment?

@manisham I am sure your vascular surgeon will be able to explain the aortic stenosis vs. aortic aneurysm confusion, He would be the most qualified person to explain the difference between the two.

From what I understand, an aortic stenosis could lead to an aneurysm somewhere else along the aorta because of restrictive blood flow through the aorta - sort of like a kink in a garden hose can create pressure on another part of the hose - not a clear analogy, but I hope you can get at least a vague idea how that can happen.

I would imagine a vascular surgeon could also deal with cardiovascular problems …?

Hello Janell, Thank you for caring! Yes genetically pesky cholesterol is no fun!
As advised by dr at Scottsdale Hospital ( fell while traveling there) and Rashida on Mayo site, I did make an appointment with my vascular surgeon. It is on 20th!
None of my meds have been changed since my 2nd STEMI in 2022!
I try to do as much reading about my condition as possible, to understand it! Luckily my doctors are all extremely caring and usually do explain things in layman terms to me!
Stitches are healing well! I have to live with scar but hey!!! Swelling inside and around the stitches has subsided a lot now.
So once again I am hoping to get some clear answer regarding this new incidental finding, called aortic stenosis! Mean time I am trying to stay positive and not get over worked up about what I read!
Mayo group is a big help and great support! Thank you all for being there!