Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

Thank you. I look forward to being together in this group. We are watching my aortic aneurysm with 6 months checks. I’m 77 and have ataxia which has meant bad luck with muscles. I have talked with a friend that due to age and general condition had the least invasive procedure. Muffy

Thanks for the post - I think your diagnosis is about as close to mine as any I've read on these board so far. I'm 44 and was diagnosed with a 4.3cm ascending aortic aneurysm last month. Of course, at first I thought I would be dead in 2 months...but two cardiologists and a surgeon assured me I would not (at least not from this!). I'm not religious or spiritual at all, but I've taken to saying "It's not going to happen today" every morning, just to remind myself what the reality is.
I do have a question about exercise, though, because I was told the same - just no 'heavy weights'. But what is 'heavy'? And what about cardio? I do 3-4 miles on an elliptical 3-4 days a week, and I'm worried about the blood pressure spikes this might cause. (my BP isn't super high, usually under 130 while at rest, and I've been taking beta blockers since the diagnosis)

@bryanfox Hi Bryan, Oh, I know what you are feeling and the fear and trepidation that the end is near. I've had the same diagnosis as you since 2007 and it was about 3.9 at diagnosis and now is about 4.2. My suggested limitation on lifting weights is 25 lbs. And that is to assure the aneurysm size doesn't enlarge. At the size of 4.3, the approach is to wait and watch. You are on a beta blocker so the pressure on the artery is controlled. I was told to continue with my daily cardio exercise on a strider which is similar to the elliptical but not to exert myself so that I am unable to carry on a conversation while exercising. The beta blocker keeps your blood pressure controlled and is kind of self limiting as it keeps your heart rate low.

You will likely be monitored every 6 months with an echocardiogram and every 2 or 3 years with a CT scan. Be aware that the measurements of these two tests are different. One measures on the bias and the other measures straight across. Also be aware that the technician doing the test can see the measurement differently. So, don't panic if the measurement increases a point or two as the aneurysm itself may not have changed size.

My advice is to follow your cardio's direction on limiting lifting, keep exercising, limit saturated fats and sugars, lose weight if that is an issue and if you smoke, it is imperative that you quit -- immediately. And all of that said, Enjoy your life. This aneurysm, with proper treatment may never enlarge to the point of needing repair. And if it does grow, as much as none of us wants surgery, repair can be done.

What a shame it would be if having this aneurysm stole your enjoyment of life. Have fun, make plans and don't be consumed with unnecessary worry.

Best wishes
Donna

Thanks for the reply. I don't smoke, and I'm overweight, but not by much (I'm 5'10" 195lbs, but fairly broad-shouldered, so I don't put too much stock in the BMI results the calculator gives me). I've heard the "don't exercise harder than a level which would allow you to have a conversation" suggestion, but even when I'm on the elliptical with a steep incline, I'm pretty sure I could still speak to someone without much effort! I spoke with an aortic surgeon and he recommended a CT scan again in 6 months, while the cardiologist only recommended an echo. I'm wondering if he wants a CT this time just to check growth rate, and if it isn't that high, then maybe he'll switch to recommending just echos? It's obviously a less-pressing concern right now, but I don't want to end up Chernobyling myself because of this, either.

@bryanfox I think your assessment is spot on. Another CT will give you two like tests to determine the rate of growth. If it is slow growing or not showing any enlargement at all, I agree, you will likely be switched to echos to reduce the amount of radiation.

I think you are on the right track for monitoring this health issue. You might want to get one of those fitness trackers to just monitor your BP when on the elliptical and talk to your cardio about what is a safe limit on the numbers while you are exercising. Also, I think part of the assessment of cardio fitness is how fast your BP and pulse return to normal when you get off the elliptical.

I wish you very good luck and as time goes by, you will recognize this is just something to be monitored, not a death sentence.

Donna

That was very well said. I am at 49 and take care of myself but do not stress on it. I think the fitness tracker is a good idea. It will give more peace of mind. I want to enjoy whatever life I am given not worry about what may happen. Today is a beautiful day for a bike ride....

Really appreciate your reply and thoughts

Hello,
I am 62 years old male 6'1" 200lbs. I was recently given a CT scan to check my lungs. Former light smoker, quit 10 years ago. Lungs okay but found borderline dilated ascending aorta of 4.0cm on CT scan results.
I get conflicting info. I was told 4.0cm is high normal for my age. I have normal bp and work out 5 days a week, running and light weight training.
Should I get a thoracic surgeon now? Is my 4.0cm dilation in normal range?
Anybody know excellent thoracic surgeon in Phoenix area. Mayo clinic local but don't
seem to see much for local surgeons.
Is Tevar procedure technology at level it can be used instead of OHS.
Sorry for the long post. Thank you for letting me join the forum.

5.0 is the normal range for surgery... I also have one at 4... 3 months ago I had AVR, and they did nothing about the anurism... said it's not big enough...

What is AVR?