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New diagnosis of ascending aortic aneurysm and I’m terrified
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: Oct 21 3:20pm | Replies (185)Comment receiving replies
@moonboy
I am glad I decided to read comments, because like some others have stated no doctor told me not to lift anything more than 40lbs. I am overweight and I have high blood pressure, so I have been working with a trainer doing weights and circuit machines lifting over 40lbs. No one said anything to about the other things i.e. Marfan's syndrome or some identified genetic markers. The cardiologist didn't say anything close to comments I am reading and just made me feel like I was concerned for nothing. I was hospitalized for a few days 2 weeks ago because they thought I was having a stroke. My aortic aneurysm increased a little more than the average .01 in a year. It went from 4.1 in May of 2024 to 4.3 a year. I am wondering should I be concerned?
Replies to "@moonboy I am glad I decided to read comments, because like some others have stated no..."
@monica6287 I exercise routinely and used to lift heavy weights. Heavy. I was diagnosed five weeks ago with mild dilation of the aortic root at 4.3cm. It was Afib that landed me in the hospital that got me imaged. Disappointingly, I received an echo in 2018 and apparently it was borderline then at 4.0cm.
Who knows the growth rate in seven years, but since the new diagnosis I’ve stopped lifting heavy weights per the initial cardiologist. I have my follow up on the 5th of November. I’ve read extensively and joined two Facebook groups: Aortic Hope and Aortic Athletes.
This forum and those two groups are a wealth of info. While I wait to learn more (likely a CT scan) I have the knowledge that I will be okay. Others are in the same boat with similar risks.
Exercise is a must. Caution is essential. There are cardiologists who are experts in aortic disease and exercise response. A Dr. Prakash has a video being circulated on here somewhere that is a goldmine.
I am male and big with a root. Much different than you, but there are many women on these forums who share their perspective and detail their info.
You are not alone!!! It is damn scary, but we are lucky because we will likely get to choose when we’re operated on. Many have not. Exercise will increase your odds of success.
Hang in there and keep asking questions. Many have said it:Be your own advocate.
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@monica6287 I just want you to know that my aneurysm also grew 2 mm in one year. It’s not abnormal, it is just at the high end of normal. I don’t believe my cardiologist was the least bit concerned. The growth did make him change his mind about changing my imaging to every other year.
I agree with Moonboy that there are risks. But, in the lower numbers risks are rare, so do not worry about things that could happen! Relax! Take care of yourself, but, enjoy your life!!!