What is the correct cm in thoracic aorta ansersym to have surgery

Nothing gonna happen to you at 5.5 cm. There is negligible risk till 6 cm. Enjoy your life

Hey, I hear you—and I really get it. I had my own emergency open-heart surgery nearly 10 years ago for a dissected thoracic aortic aneurysm. I was 50 at the time, and I can tell you firsthand—this stuff gets real, fast. You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next. It’s scary, especially when you’re the only one making the call. GET A SECOND OPINION RIGHT NOW FROM A THORACIC SURGEON AT A MAJOR HEART CENTER. Mayo, Cleveland, UT Houston, U of Minnesota, UCSD, etc.

A 5.5 cm thoracic aortic aneurysm is right at the threshold where most guidelines say close monitoring or surgical consultation is necessary, depending on your body size, symptoms, and growth rate. The general cutoff for surgery is often 5.5 cm for the ascending aorta—but many top centers (especially in the U.S.) consider earlier surgery around 5.0–5.3 cm if you’re otherwise healthy and especially if you’re young, like you, at 55.

And two years between checkups at your size? That seems way too long. Most specialists recommend imaging every 6 to 12 months at this stage. You’re absolutely right to trust your instincts and seek a second opinion—preferably from a thoracic aortic surgeon at a high-volume center. They’ll look at your full history, growth rate, CT or MRI imaging, and maybe even genetic factors.

Just to be clear: you didn’t cause this. It’s not from smoking or anything you did wrong. Aneurysms often develop silently and can be related to connective tissue strength, blood pressure, or even genes you’ve never heard of.

You’re not lost. You’re paying attention. You’re asking the right questions. And you’re advocating for yourself—and that’s exactly what saved my life in 2015. You’ve got this.

Peace.

My cardiologist says 5.0 and we will talk surgery. I’m at 4.2 now

One of my physicians (Holistic MD) recently told me my decision regarding whether to have major surgery or not, is like being “caught between a rock and a hard place”. Both choices have outcomes that could have dire consequences. However, I am fortunate at being given special time to “prepare”, when many others in life may not have this opportunity. He also said to find peace within oneself and treat every day as a gift. His final statement was that I might be one of the lucky ones, the aneurysm may not rupture, and to stay positive.

Thoughts..
1). Surround oneself with loving
family, friends and laughter
2). Develop a great healthcare
support. I created a
fabulous team of three
healthcare professionals in
addition to Mayo’s vascular
physicians. They are a female
internal physician, holistic MD
and dietitian. Although working
in separate practices, all are
focused on keeping me alive as
long as possible.
3). Prepare for the worst, then
enjoy every day as a gift,
thinking positively.
4). Acknowledge others with
thankfulness through love and
kindness. A “random act of
kindness” could change a
person’s day or life. It also helps
to stop thinking a while about
one’s frightening challenges,
like I do at times.
5). Have a “purpose” that is
positive and brings you joy.
6). Take time for yourself through
body, mind, spirit. Music, walks,
meditation, gardening rest. Whatever
makes you happy to be alive. “Just do it”,
even traveling, if a doctor’s approval.

My mom was my teacher, as she had two large inoperable aneurysms that never ruptured. She lived her life to the fullest and never looked back.

Is your AAA hereditary, like mine?

Peace for your soul.

Hello @dixitworld,

Each patient is different and their medical providers may have differing recommendations based on each patient's test results and circumstances.

As a gentle reminder, we must be careful about giving out medical advice per the Community Guidelines (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/). In particular: Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the community.

Here is some general information from Mayo Clinic:

- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350193
Surgery is generally recommended for thoracic aortic aneurysms about 1.9 to 2.4 inches (about 5 to 6 centimeters) and larger. Surgery may be recommended for smaller aneurysms if you have a family history of aortic dissection or a condition linked to aortic aneurysm, such as Marfan syndrome.

The type of surgery done depends on:

- The cause of the aneurysm.
- Your overall health.
- The location of the aneurysm.

@beverly48, it sounds like you have an open, ongoing dialogue with your cardiothoracic surgeon about operating on your aneurysm. While this decision is being made with your provider, have you been given precautions while you are in limbo or tips for preparation?