Ascending Aortic Aneurysm & Bicuspid Aortic Heart Valve

Diagnosed with both and completed a 30 year career in the United States Marine Corps. Went on to work 21 years in a civilian service career. Most recent thoracic echocardiogram indicated the sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is moderate at 4.5cm and BAV shows no increased calcification. My wife of 53 years has Parkinson's disease and suffered a stroke last year and spent almost a month in the hospital and inpatient rehabilitation. Stress level is high--but manageable.

Thanks for your service. Keep a close eye on that aorta. Your docs should be doing annual or twice-annual CT scans of it to watch its growth. You're a likely candidate for surgery at 5.0cm but it will depend on your age, size, and its rate of progression. Find the best imaging lab in your state and use it consistently. For you, that's probably the VA but make sure to continue pushing for surveillance scans at least every year (if not 6 months). Peace.

@tomcgauley It sounds like you've had your fair share of stress in your life. Hang in there, dude!

I have the same situation going on, I found out 5 months ago. My AAA is 4.2. I will have testing done next month to see if anything has gotten worse. My Dr will check me every 6 months until surgery is needed. I am going to get a second opinion after I get the second round of tests done. I am still in the work force at 58 years old. My job is very physically demanding and with plenty of stress at times. But at 58 I don’t have a choice. Only advice my dr gave me was to not lift over 100 lbs on the job and if I have chest pain then go to Dr. I look forward to second opinion. You need to do the same. I did quit watching the news to help with stress as well. Good luck to you.

@mikeneverwired Mahalo!

@moonboy I'm 76 years old and have been lucky to follow-up with great cardiologist on the outside. I didn't have real success using the military hospitals. Was misdiagnosed by military doctors which allowed me to serve longer.

@geraldhumphrey

@cobweb I was in the same situation when i found out i had this problem. A visit to the Cleveland Clinic and advice from the drs. I do not lift over 50 pounds and i lead an active life, including being a caregiver. Play golf, garden etc. Being 85 i decided not to worry anymore. I am 4.8 and the dr said at my age no surgery would be performed. If i go, i know it will be quick.

@cobweb not all dissect or rupture.

My Dr has been monitoring my bicuspid aortic valve, 4.5 thoracic ascending aortic aneurysm, & most recently discovered variant anatomy with direct origin of left vertebral artery. Is one thing more serious than the other?