Aortic Anyerism age 80’ s

@cajsp
I recently learned I have an aortic aneurysm that measures 4.82 x 12.8 (in length?). A thoracic surgeon met with me and gave me those measurements from a CT scan. His staff submitted a swab from my mouth for a Genetic test. It will take 2-3 weeks to get the results. If its negative, he wants to do surgery ASAP, otherwise if results are not alarming, we have some more time because I am having dental work done that will be complete in early May. I am not happy with my cardiologist who is also my internist. She was aware that my aortic valve measured 4.6 in Nov. 2024 and never told me until this year at the end of January. At that time she described it as a dilated aorta and took 1 1/2 weeks to give the name of a thoracic surgeon to get an opinion. Yes, I am 81 years old and never had any serious health issues until now. Relieved to hear a gentleman in his 80s survived the surgery!

@ewei6911
You need to go to a center and a CV surgeon that specifically specializes in ascending aortic aneurysms. Getting copies of all your medical records every time you see a physician can avoid these types of surprises - which are not good.
Your cardiologist was obviously "out of line" for not providing this information to you verbally - whether you saw her in clinic before or after your CT scan. However, that appears to be the way practices "practice" these days. It may be that she did not know what these numbers meant. That would not be unusual - even for a cardiologist.
There may also be some ageism here. I am 83 and my husband is 82. Although we are very active and many doctors are surprised at how old we are as they say we look much younger - 10 years younger, we still experience "ageism" -- which is implicit in Medicare payment suggestions -- i.e., "Do you want a mammogram? Colonoscopy? etc.? - these despite the fact that our age group and also people in their seventies are at much higher risk that younger people for these diseases. The excuse is that the cancers are not as aggressive.
Make sure the thoracic surgeon she is referring you to is experienced with aortic aneurysm. Call the office and ask questions. Also go to PUBMED and look at who is writing the articles and consensus guidelines. Where are they located and then ask for a second opinion at one of these centers. The latest consensus opinion two years ago was that surgeries could/should be done at 5.0 cm and the numbers were lower in certain subgroups.

@hsminc
Thanks for your comments. Besides the question of ageism, I am wondering if my cardiologist was waiting for it to get worse before referring me to a thoracic surgeon. Seems doctors "operate" that way these days. I am also learning that I need a "specialist" (as you indicated) because aortic aneurysms are not widely understood by cardiologist. Shocking for a lay person to learn since I always thought cardiologists knew everything heart related......wrong!!!. Also, I have been seeing my cardiologist for 32 years and maybe she is taking me for granted, since she knows my health issues that have been monitored with medication and tests.......until now.

@ewei6911 Referring you to a thoracic surgeon is not "good enough" - you need to see a cardiothoracic surgeon that specializes in ascending aortic aneurysms -- not descending or abdominal aortic aneurysm surgeries as these are different subspecialities.
Ascending aortic aneurysm repairs are not done in "communities" at community hospitals - no matter how large. You need to look at large academic centers that have good/great reputations for and have special interest in cardiovascular surgery - Mayo, Stanford, Baylor, Cleveland Clinic, Emory, and many more. Don't be intimidated. These centers and often their surrounding cities/communities have supporting systems including low cost housing, transportation, etc., to make it easier for patients.
Where do you live? I looked at your profile and it was empty.
My suspicious is your cardiologist did not know better - and did not know and probably still doesn't understand that she is putting you at risk.

@hsminc
My cardiologist and the thoracic surgeon she referred me to are both with the Hackensack Meridian University Hospital in Hackensack, NJ. I live in North Bergen, NJ, very close to NYC. I am seeing another cardiologist who is very personable (unlike my current cardiologist) and has mentioned the names of 2 very experienced surgeons in NYC hospitals. I am getting their names, specialties and hospital(s) on Monday. I think it may be one of the NY Presbyterian Hospitals (they have branch locations with different specialties). I would have preferred to have any surgery in a NJ hospital because of the hassles going into NYC, but if that is where the best surgeon for me is located, I will fight the traffic and go into the city.......I have worked in NYC for all my working life before retiring, so I know the hassles. My consulting cardiologist admits when he doesn't know something (I think he is a "Keeper") and my current (now "former") cardiologist took over 1 1/2 weeks to get me a referral for a thoracic surgeon. It's been an education learning about the specialties within the cardiovascular field and now you have educated me further to seek out cardiothoracic surgeon that specializes in ascending aortic aneurysms..........very much appreciate your help!!!!

I send hugs 🤗 and love ❤️ to everyone. I too recently received the news I have an Aneurysm at age 80. I will take to heart ❤️ everything that has been said. 🙏

@cajsp thank you all for the positive feedback.

Hi. I just joined this group. I'm currently awaiting an EVAR procedure set for 5/5/26. First diagnosed in mid March so I'm getting anxious and nervous waiting and worried about possible rupture. Every little tinge or lower back pain when standing worries me while waiting. My aneurysm measured 6.2. Any reassurances you can offer? I'm 75.

@pamwin51 Hello.....from what I've read, EVAR is a well-tolerated procedure with good outcomes. It's minimally invasive, and has a quick recovery time. You should be fine, and have more peace of mind once it's done. I imagine you'll have a pronounced sense of relief after your procedure! Best wishes for a quick recovery!!

@pamwin51 Sending you my thoughts and prayers for a successful and speedy recovery.