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Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others
Welcome to the Aortic Aneurysms group on Mayo Clinic Connect.
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta. The aorta begins deep in the heart as it emerges from the powerful left ventricle, gently arching over the heart, descending into the chest, and finally into the abdomen. Some aortic aneurysms can be harmless; others can lead to catastrophic problems. I invite you to follow this group and connect with others, share experiences, exchange useful information, and learn about aortic aneurysms.
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@jimboesq
Hello....yes, there is a "normal" rate of growth of 1mm per year to a "concerning " size of 5.0-5.5cm, at which time surgery may be considered. The rate of growth should be monitored by CT scan or ultrasound(echocardiogram). If growth is rapid over a short period, early intervention may be needed. While there are standard approaches taken, each person and case is unique, and shouldn't be pigeonholed. You need to be an informed patient not hesitant to ask questions. Get as much information as you can to be an "educated consumer". "Vague" doctors are abundant, so don't settle for blase answers or indifference. You're in charge of your own health....knowledge is power!! Best wishes for staying healthy!!
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1 Reaction@jimboesq I’m assuming when you say stenosis, your AA is ascending and not descending/abdominal. It makes a big difference where the aneurysm is located. For ascending you would need a cardiothoracic surgeon as the only solution (for now) is OH, for descending thoracic or abdominal there are other options. In any case at 4.0 cm you are far from the critical zone, closer to 5.0, there is a rate of growth and that would be one of the things a specialized cardiologist (aortic disease specialist) would follow. Periodically CT scans would help determine the rate of growth. There are no medications that would reverse the dilation but some people have very stable dilation size for many years never reaching repair zone.
The main variable to control is your BP, high BP is the main enemy of an aneurysm. Your cardiologist will work with you to keep it under control.
Again you are far from needing surgery but maintaining a healthy body is the best you can do in case you ever do. The healthier you are the easier the surgery and recovery will go.
As a reference, mine was 5.2cm when found (ascending) I was in very good shape, I had surgery 2 months later, surgery is tough but went as smooth as it could have gone.
You know you have it and that’s already on your side, you can find the right care and plan
All the best
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1 Reaction@ctflyr thank you
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1 Reaction@houston13 thank you. And yes mine is ascending. But I am pretty symptomatic. I am definitely going to closely monitor my BP now. This week it’s been pretty high.
@jimboesq
You're welcome! FYI....there are many cases where growth doesnt occur for many years....staying stable though at an enlarged size. That may happen in your case too. Very important is BP control, as others have stated here, and lifestyle modifications, that may include some light exercise, and dietary changes.
Hi. I am 69 yr old female. I have Sinus of Valsalva 4.6 cm aneurysm. Found this out in Jan 26 after an ECHO. I have paroxdymal afib 2024 and a 3.6cm taa 2026.. The SOV was a new discovery. I have some minor leakage from aortuc valvem Been on B.P. meds since 2010. Using flecainide, diltiazem, and Eliquis for afib and b.p. . From my research it looks like I will eventually need surgery for the 4.6 SOV, taa, and aortic valve. Does anyone on here have SOV aneurysm now or had it repaired? I live in Florida in a smaller city area with one surgeon who could do one of the surgeries. The closest big medical centers with lots of staff and experience are Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, U of Alabsma Birmingham, and U of Florida. Any suggestions or stories ofcwhat to exoect would be appreciated. This is a pretty scary surgery to face by myself.
@mistyk4400
Hello.....Regarding your circumstances, you should certainly reach out to Mayo Jacksonville to get the ball rolling. Once you have information from them, it may help to clarify what you're facing and the timeline involved. All the best for improving your health!!
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1 ReactionHow can some aortic aneurysms be harmless?
Hi
How can some aortic aneurysms be harmless?
I’m 63 going on 64.
Had a CT scan heart without contrast for calcium scoring. It was zero -0- great news!
but then I saw that there’s a fusiform ascending aortic dilation 4.1 cm so my primary when I brought it up to him a year later when if I should get another one, finally referred me to a heart doctor and then he said they just monitor it and maybe I should take the propanolol even though I don’t have high blood pressure I don’t smoke anymore and my weight is pretty low average.
@beasnest7 Hello
I have a 4.2 that I have known about for two years
It has not grown
I would not take meds at this point and just monitor it
Not worth the side effects!