Connect
← Return to Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others
Discussion
Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: 15 hours ago | Replies (976)Comment receiving replies
I’m so glad to find this group! I’m 69, soon to be 70, and was recently diagnosed with a mild ascending dilation of 4.1 cm, accidentally found through a CT scan for an injured sternum, and then confirmed by echocardiogram. My primary dr. says it’s pretty minor at this point and I should just have it monitored yearly. She also doubled my Losartan dose, which has reduced my BP significantally.
Should I be satisfied with this or do I need to see a cardiologist? I’m trying not to worry, but knowing this can eventually lead to dissection has me unsettled.
Replies to "I’m so glad to find this group! I’m 69, soon to be 70, and was recently..."
@grandmajeannie At 76 with a 4.1cm AAO I am skipping the cardiologist unless it shows progression on next echo. I have read studies which are beginning to find that the "sag and Bag" phenomenon of aging (I am sure they would not put it that way) also applies to things like AAO size. For my age and BSA at least two recent publications suggest that is to be expected. So I have more than enough medical crap in my life right now and the stress of managing one more doc would likely raise my blood pressure. But if anxiety is gonna raise yours - get the next level of advice. The ACC guidelines do not call this an aneurysm. If mine stays stable or has small increase - I will just monitor. These calls are very individual and you do what is comfortable for you.
Connect
@grandmajeannie...it would be important to establish yourself as a patient with a cardiologist who is very familiar with aortic aneurysms and their treatment. Keep your BP under control and maintain a healthy lifestyle. At the size you mentioned, yearly monitoring with CT or echocardiogram is the norm. Best wishes for your health journey!