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Flying with an ascending aortic aneurism
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (23)Comment receiving replies
I have just been diagnosed with a 3.9 ascending aortic aneurysm and leaving in 5 days for a Cardiology appointment. Mine was diagnosed after having left sided chest pain for 3 days with a URI. I noticed that my burning pain increased to feeling like I had bad indigestion during my flight home from Poland. No one has mentioned anything about a flight risk. I had extensive cardiac testing 3 years ago after I developed peritonitis from the COVID19 vaccine, and it wasn't there. I still have symptomatic chest pain in which I wear a low dose Nitro patch. So, I am worried about it.
Replies to "I have just been diagnosed with a 3.9 ascending aortic aneurysm and leaving in 5 days..."
@catwoman07
Hello, i had a mild heart attack due to stenosis in my aortic valve in 2023 which resulted in having a TAVR. I had been a little short of breath when walking short distances but thought it was due to age. During the testing phase my cardiologist discovered a 4.1-4.2 Asc. Aortic Aneurism. My BP meds were adjusted and I get checked bi-annually now and it hasn’t grown any. I have zero symptoms when flying- even internationally. My point is you may have some other issue that is causing your issue.
I pray you get the right diagnosis and resolution.
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@catwoman07 Hello Catwoman07. Your situation definitely warrants a visit with your cardiologist to sort through both your significant medical history and your current symptoms with the medication management. My aneurysm has been stable for a few years and remains below threshold at 4.3 to 4.4. I do not have any genetic or connective tissue markers. My symptoms with flying were oxygen drops and chest pain, creating shortness of breath, light headedness and nausea. My cardiologist was feeling that these symptoms did not match those of an aneurysm, so he referred me to get an extensive evaluation of "more" cardiac possibilities. A large PFO with significant bi-directional shunt was discovered. This was causing the hypoxemia (which was happening other times than while flying and advancing), and maybe the aneurysm was not helping the hemodynamics. The PFO was repaired this Fall, and I have been given the green light to fly. This will be tested in 3 weeks, and yes I am nervous. But my multiple cardiologists are confident that it will be fine. So as far as your heart burn, it could very well be more than heart burn, obviously. Nitro is a vasodilator and a significant player in potential blockages. Your history of the peritonitis with inflammation and cardiac symptoms should be addressed, The illness may possibly have caused lasting endothelial damage. This can cause micro spasm and angina. Hopefully this provides some seeds for questions to ask your cardiologist. Good luck! Maybe I will check in after I test my wings. And as Moon Boy would say.... "Peace"!
Cheers!
UPsrtist