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What makes ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms increase in size?
I am a 68 year old woman, who considers myself in relatively good shape and health until I was diagnosed with breast cancer 14 months ago. I had a lumpectomy and radiation and now I am on medication which increases cholesterol, causes joint pain, and osteoporosis. In June 2024, I had a CT Scan with contrast due to the cancer and that was fine but I found out I had a 4.1 ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm, which caused me to freak out. My cardiologist had no concern, so I saw a Thoracic Surgeon who said since I’m short, surgery would be needed if it reached 4.5. Typically, they recheck in a year but since I was nervous I just had a CT Scan on 1/17/2025 w/o contrast. I just received the results today, is it really beneficial so see results populating in your portal before you speak to the doctor, not…. anyway… it is now 4.3 so it grew in 7 months. I retired to relieve stress, do Pilates, use my elliptical, increased my BP to 100 mg, I occasionally have a glass of wine or Cosmo at dinner once a week. I don’t have a good feeling about this and I’m trying to be positive but I’m really struggling today.
Are there any statics on how often aneurysms increase in size compared to no change? Are there any statistics on how many people who have surgery survive the surgery but die from complications, or life span after surgery.
I always look for a solution and not one to give up but not being able to fix this is making me crazy.
Also, it seems doctors have a cavalier approach because there really isn’t anything they can do, basically the odds are 50/50…maybe.
Any inspirational hope from anyone?
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Thank you
Hi, I just found out I have a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm. It is 4.6 cm. I can’t get into surgeon until October. I’m trying to not freak out but not doing a very good job at it. My dad died from a burst aneurysm, same kind. How is your treatment going?
Hi.
My aneurysm is 4.2. My understanding is that high blood pressure, smoking and genetic factors or conditions (like Ehler's Danloos) are risk factors.. I have none of these so my anerysm is considered an anomaly. 4.1 is "barely an aneurysm" according to my doctor as, for my size (5'5"), 3.8 is normal size for artery. Your aneurysm size should be considered vis-a-vis your size to see what the risks are. In my experience with a caring cardiologist, there is no "apathy" about this condition. I am monitored yearly (for 2 years now, with no changes). My potential surgeon and I spoke about the open heart surgery I will need if it grows bigger and the surgery was said to be almost routine (for someone in good general health). It's a tough recovery that takes a while - ("in 6 weeks, you'll feel no pain, and in 12, you won't remember it."). I'm 66, so my job is to keep myself in great health through great nutrition (very little sugar, lots of variety of fruits and veggies, enough protein as I age) and to exercise (walk and weights) to the extent I'm able without elevating BP above 180. I'm optimistic, but it does take much maintenance and lifestyle management. I don't drink (at all, except a sip of my boyfriend's wine now and then on rare occasions) and gave up caffeine, too. I work out with a trainer 2-3 times a week and walk routinely. Much of this quells my anxiety as I know I'm doing all I can do. I control what I can and that leads to less perseverative worry. I hope this helps.
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3 ReactionsAlcohol 🍺 alcohol 🍷
????
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1 ReactionThe poster said they had none of those. Furthermore, unless someone is a moderate to heavy drinker, not likely.
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1 Reactionscotty45;
You said surgeon: That could be a dermatologist or a brain surgeon. I have heard that if your surgeon has not done at least 100 ascending aortic aneurysms surgeries in a year that you should consider looking elsewhere. At present, it is open heart surgery and to have a regular surgeon doing repairs on your open heart sounds like a gamble. Surprised that Melbourne would not have a heart specialist. We have a lot in common. I'm 88, walk most days and go to gym 3 times a week. I have a root aneurysm @ 4.5 and a AAA @ 4.2 and an aortic valve prolapse. I have cut back exactly as you have and hope that I am as lucky as you w/o any further growth in either aneurysm. Love your country. Spent a month in 1990 going from Sydney to Melbourne to Darwin via Uluru. Then DC3 to Tiwi Islands. Best vacation ever. Best of luck with your aneurysm, hope it remains dormant.
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4 ReactionsThe surgeon who is monitoring my AAA, is a 75 year old Vascular Surgeon, & claims to have successfully repaired over 1800 aortic aneurysms.
I'm sure he knows his job, even though I am a bit sceptical about his claim that lifting heavy weights and other straining won't affect my aneurysm. I'll stick to light exercises and walking, and hope that my AAA stays stable, as it has for the past 14 months.
He also mentioned that if, & when, I need the surgery, he will most probably be retired. I imagine that when he retires, my local hospital will engage another vascular surgeon to replace him.
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1 ReactionI was diagnosed in 2009 with an ascending aortic aneurysm, 4.6 when I was first diagnosed I was really stressed about it until my husband said " can you do anything about it? then stop worrying because now you've added something else that will put your health at risk...stress" I now don't even give it a a thought, I go once a year to have it looked at and that's it. I don't lift anything heavy and try to keep my BP under control.
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7 ReactionsLook into fasting!
Dr Berg has videos on you tube that are very helpful.
Mine increased to 5.4 from 3.9
In a year and a half so I looked for alternatives.
From my research it’s possible to stop the growth and heal.
So I’m on a new mission.
I hope this is helpful to you with both of your conditions.
Take care !
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5 Reactions