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Post open heart surgery cognitive impairment
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: Jun 21, 2025 | Replies (16)Comment receiving replies
This is a very insightful post . Something I will definitaly keep in mind should I need surgery. I was diagnosed with a 4.4 assending and a 4.2 dessending thoracic aortic aneurysm while getting a calcium scan 2 month ago . I am a 61 yo female. I work in the entertainment (film) industry and my job can be very stressful at times. This whole revelation has put me into a tail spin tbh. and it makes me want to retire soon because I feel 'life is too short" not to have fun. I am so grateful for this support group because I am learning so much about this and most of all, I am not alone!!
I have read that the operation is more risky for females than males , is that something someone can explain or elaborate ?
Replies to "This is a very insightful post . Something I will definitaly keep in mind should I..."
I understand your concern. My ascending aortic aneurysm was also found incidentally over 20 years ago at 3.9. I did a CT calcium score at it measured 4.2 in 2023. I’ll have another CT next month. I haven’t thought much about it over the years as it’s stayed relatively stable. I’m now 77 (female) and more concerned. However, my cardiologist said no talk of surgery until it reaches 5.
It is definitely difficult to not stress about that surgery the older you get.
Listen to your cardiologist’s advice. Wishing you peace.
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Finding out you have two thoracic aortic aneurysms is a lot to process—especially when it comes out of the blue during a scan you weren’t expecting much from. That kind of news can shake your whole sense of direction. It’s no surprise it’s made you think about retiring or reevaluating what matters most. Stress really does feel different after something like this, doesn’t it?
You’re absolutely right to be thinking about how your job and lifestyle fit into this new reality. Even if your aneurysms aren’t at surgical size yet, stress and blood pressure still matter. And just having the knowledge puts you in a position to make smarter, more protective choices. That’s a big deal. That said, I am a trial lawyer in federal court. I have managed a good life for the past 10 years after dissection. It can be done but you have to take your meds, listen to your docs, and deliberately relax.
As for your question about surgery being riskier for women—I’ve read the same, and from what I understand, it can be due to a mix of things: women sometimes get diagnosed later, or have smaller vessels, or different symptoms that don’t always get recognized quickly. But that doesn’t mean the outcome has to be worse—it just means you need good doctors who really understand aortic disease and who’ll take your concerns seriously. If your doctor hasn’t given you that kind of confidence yet, it might be worth talking to someone who specializes in this stuff. THINK THORACIC SURGEON.
This group is a lifeline and I’ve learned so much here too. And you’re definitely not alone. I barely survived a fully dissected ascending aorta as a man at 50 in 2015—and looking back, I wish I’d had this kind of support earlier. Peace.