Newly diagnosed female, 67 yrs, 2.9 cm AAA

Posted by emeseals @emeseals, Jun 11 2:01pm

Good Day: I realize I may be premature in asking these questions; however, I am trying to "get my ducks all in a row" in what to expect down the road. My family doctor just informed me that they found my AAA during an ultrasound of my kidneys and liver. My AAA is at 2.9 cms and he is going to repeat the test in a year. Should I be searching for a cardiac doctor at this point, or should I wait? I figure I must have gotten the AAA from genetics, as I am healthy, a non-smoker, and in great shape and have a healthy BP. I am concerned, but as I mentioned, I am just approaching the 3 cm stage. Just looking for info, perhaps from any others, especially females, as to what I may expect and perhaps learn from others' experiences. Thank you for any and all information.

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houston13 | @houston13 | Jun 11 5:43pm

At 2.9 your dilation is very small but nonetheless, my recommendation is to consult with an aortic disease specialist, those are cardiologists that specialize in aortic diseases, including aneurysms, not all cardiologists do and it makes a big difference. In the future, if you ever need a surgeon, in your case you would need a vascular surgeon since your aneurysm is abdominal (thoracic aneurysms require a cardiothoracic surgeon), but in my mind you are far from needing one. (abdominal aneurysms also have more repair options than ascending aneurysms)

As to why you got an aneurysm, that question is very common, I also was very active, in good physical shape, never smoked and had a 5.2 ascending aneurism. In my case it seems to be genetic as there have been several cases in my family, and I also had a brain aneurysm that was repaired, so there is a clear propensity. I also have a bicuspid aortic valve and those are known contributors. But that is not always the case, sometimes none of those reasons apply and they appear and not all the answers are known.

Hope all goes well for you

catwoman07 | @catwoman07 | Jun 12 10:55am

Hi. I'm 67 years old and newly diagnosed Ascending Aortic aneurysm 4.0. Im an RN and really investigated my options. If yours is abdominal there are more stenting options like a TAVER. Looks like they don't intervene until 5.0, but an Ascending Aortic requires major cardiac surgery with heart lung bypass and significant recovery. I would recommend to look specifically for a cardiac surgeon/ vascular specialist so they could monitor your ectasia/aneurysm every 6 months. Research who has good outcomes from the surgery. Avoid lifting over 25 pounds, constipation or any activity in which you bear down as this increases your aortic pressure and increases the size. If you have hypertension keep it under control is key. Best of wishes hoping you don't have to go there 😄

emeseals | @emeseals | Jun 12 3:26pm

Thank you for all your answers. I will take them all under consideration. My family doctor wants me to wait a year for the next scan, but I may push for 6 months just to see if it has grown and how fast. Then I can decide where and when I need to see a specialist.

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