Has anyone ever shrunk an Aneurysm?

@tripleaaa
Can you be more detailed about "improperly controlled blood pressure"?

My cardiologist has prescribed Carvedilol tablets, 12.5 mg for over 20 years. Recently, I began seeing another cardiologist who changed the Carvedilol dosage in half to 6.25 mg. The difference in my blood pressure as very surprising. With the 12.5 mg, blood pressure was well over 120/80. (which I have since learned that is the MAXIMUM standard reading) The reduced dosage to 6 .25 mg, my initial blood pressure readings were low 90s/70. After 3 weeks, my blood pressure is averaging in low 100s/70. I understand the IDEAL NORMAL blood pressure is 100/65. I am 81 y.o. with an ascending aortic aneurysm that is 4.8 cm. I received that diagnosis almost 2 months ago. My 2nd cardiologist explained that he was using the lower dosage to help control the aneurysm. But my original cardiologist could have lowered the dosage from 12.5 mg and maybe I would not have gotten the aneurysm???

@ewei6911 Hello! Both your numbers look fantastic to me btw! My blood pressure issues started around 2009 or so during my yearly physicals. Borderline for me back then was 140/90. My doctor talked about me getting on meds but I thought I could fix it myself. I also have severe “white coat” syndrome where my blood pressure would be much higher in the office. I eventually got on meds but even after meds and changing meds a few times (last one was Benazapril I think) my blood pressure was still around 140/90. I also rarely checked it at home. This went on like this til 2024. I never knew what an Aortic Aneurysm was until I got 3. Since I felt fine I never really worried about it. Today I probably check bi-weekly/monthly. After the 2 repairs and many lifestyle changes it dropped on its own but we added a beta blocker Metoprolol just in case. I’m coming in around 120/70 now which is great for me. I go back in a few months for my yearly CT scan with my Thoracic Surgeon. In short, improperly controlled for me was above 140/90 for well over a decade.

@ewei6911 Hello! Both your numbers look fantastic to me btw! My blood pressure issues started around 2009 or so during my yearly physicals. Borderline for me back then was 140/90. My doctor talked about me getting on meds but I thought I could fix it myself. I also have severe “white coat” syndrome where my blood pressure would be much higher in the office. I eventually got on meds but even after meds and changing meds a few times (last one was Benazapril I think) my blood pressure was still around 140/90. I also rarely checked it at home. This went on like this til 2024. I never knew what an Aortic Aneurysm was until I got 3. Since I felt fine I never really worried about it. Today I probably check bi-weekly/monthly. After the 2 repairs and many lifestyle changes it dropped on its own but we added a beta blocker Metoprolol just in case. I’m coming in around 120/70 now which is great for me. I go back in a few months for my yearly CT scan with my Thoracic Surgeon. In short, improperly controlled for me was above 140/90 for well over a decade.

@tripleaaa
BTW, I am amazed that you had 3 (???) aortic aneurysms. All discovered at the same time? Where were the locations?

@ewei6911 - The last one that was a 3.8 is now a 4.2 or 4.4 I think as of 12/25 but hadn’t moved six months prior to that. I go in yearly now for a scan and review with my surgeon. My CT scan results from the ER the night I found out it may be more than back pain:

02/05/2024 6:49 AM EST
1. Severe aneurysmal dilatation of the suprarenal abdominal aorta measuring up to 7.9 x 6.4 cm with extensive right eccentric mural thrombus and adjacent periaortic fat stranding. Findings are concerning for impending aortic aneurysm rupture. Additional considerations include mycotic and inflammatory aneurysm. Recommend emergent vascular surgery consultation.
2. Aneurysmal dilatation of the infrarenal abdominal aorta measuring up to 3.8 x 4.0 cm. Aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending thoracic aorta measuring up to 5.7 x 6.0 cm.