Connect
← Return to enlarged aorta vs aneurysm?
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
Hi there,
I am a little closer to discovery than some on this board so I may be able to provide some newbie insights.
2 months ago I was also diagnosed with a 4.3. My cardiologist was same as yours, said it’s only significant enough to mention and monitor. If I didn’t have the MyChart app I may have brushed off the lack of concern. But I googled and CHATGPT’d - probably too much. I wish I just had found this place right away and stopped ruminating.
Like you, I was scheduled for a CTA with contrast. My 4.3 Ascending Aorta measured 3.4 on the CTA. My 4.3 Aortic Root measured 4.1 on the CTA. I am a tall person (6’4”) so both measures as “normal” on the CTA report out, which is a bit confusing but good news I’ll take.
Like you, I am a workout fanatic. I did CrossFit for years followed by traditional weightlifting, tennis, hiking etc. I have taken a step back from weight training and am focusing on mild cardio. There are many who continue weight training or other exercise, with caution.
Your individual experience will ultimately vary from mine. But my initial guidance is to avoid googling and ChatGPT’ing too much. Find a community of people who have been through it and have knowledge. This is a great one. Ask questions and advocate for yourself.
You are welcome to message me privately if I can be of any additional support.
Replies to "Hi there, I am a little closer to discovery than some on this board so I..."
Connect
Thanks for the details on your CT. I just got diagnosed with an aortic root "mild" dilation of 4.3cm. (ascending is 3.8cm, which is considered normal). I am going in for a follow up with a cardiologist and was told that they would likely do a CT with contrast to get a more accurate measurement. I was warned it could be slightly larger, or slightly smaller. At 6' 215lb, I am faced with the end of heavy weights and ultramarathoning. I'll talk to the cardiologist about that as my BP averages 103/73 and my resting heart rate is 45. As someone who has been physically active and pushed myself hard at times, it is a blow at the moment as that is what keeps my mental health on an even keel. Appreciate you and all the others who are posting their diagnoses and what they are doing to exercise.