Ascending Aortic Dilation - Ascending Aortic Aneurysm

My Ascending Aortic Aneurysm was also found during a test for another matter and was very frightened by my doctor's comments regarding this find. This was back in 2015 and the measurement was 4.3 x 4.3. I have learned to live with this due to my yearly CT Scan and Ultra Sound tests show it has not grown. I, too, am always aware to make sure I do not pick up anything more than 20 pounds. Aside from the heart surgeon I see yearly, I also see a cardiologist who monitors my blood pressure and cholesterol numbers. Now that I have accepted the diagnosis, I stress less and lead my life as I normally would.

I was told if the aneurysm should grow, I would need open heart surgery due to its location. My hope is in the near future there will be another procedure less invasive. The medical advances made year after year signifies to me there will be other avenues for us. With all this being said, I'm back to enjoying my life !!

"Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66 . My Doctor plans f/u CT in March, started me on a 3rd blood pressure pill and cholesterol med to gain better control, told to continue treadmill and free weights at the gym I joined before the diagnosis and said life as usual. Why am I still panicky?? Can this be right?

"Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66 . My Doctor plans f/u CT in March, started me on a 3rd blood pressure pill and cholesterol med to gain better control, told to continue treadmill and free weights at the gym I joined before the diagnosis and said life as usual. Why am I still panicky?? Can this be right?

Hi Laverne, I understand how unsettling an incidental finding like this is. I also have the same "ascending aorta aneurysm" that was found as a result of totally unrelated testing. Mine was found about 5 years ago, and at the time it was found, measured 4.2 cm. Fortunately, it has not expanded since it was found. My doctor measures it annually (though the first 2 years, he measured it every 6 months) via an echo cardiogram. Have had a CT scan previously. There really aren't symptoms (at least in my case). I do remember NOT to lift extra heavy things. I work out at the gym 3 times a week doing elliptical and also doing various strength training. I am careful not to lift more than 20 pounds and watch that I don't do things like hold my breath and lift (which I believe causes more stress in the aorta). At first, I was very panicky. I remember it so well. Could barely sleep. But, as time has passed and it has remained stable, I have learned to live with it. I wish you all the very best with your testing, follow ups and health.

How can we strengthen the aorta? Is there a supplement? Vitamin C is known to help connective tissue. Maybe that helps?

"Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66 . My Doctor plans f/u CT in March, started me on a 3rd blood pressure pill and cholesterol med to gain better control, told to continue treadmill and free weights at the gym I joined before the diagnosis and said life as usual. Why am I still panicky?? Can this be right?

"Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66 . My Doctor plans f/u CT in March, started me on a 3rd blood pressure pill and cholesterol med to gain better control, told to continue treadmill and free weights at the gym I joined before the diagnosis and said life as usual. Why am I still panicky?? Can this be right?

"Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66 . My Doctor plans f/u CT in March, started me on a 3rd blood pressure pill and cholesterol med to gain better control, told to continue treadmill and free weights at the gym I joined before the diagnosis and said life as usual. Why am I still panicky?? Can this be right?

Mine is and has been about 104-113/80 or so adding to the mystery of cause which brings me to the supplements- did they cause a spike that caused the dilation - they all said to lower blood pressure like l-Argentine and citrulline but this and even aspirin give me palpitations so hard to know what to recommend. Are there any dr’s that specialize in this that help us all out or besides our own dr’s are we all we have ? I see for example blogs on Cleveland clinic where vascular doctors answer questions. If there are please chime in. Thank you!

Yes, & blood pressure is key but I don’t know what more I can do. Mine is high, anywhere from 127-152, diastolic and 87-95 systolic. I am thin, don’t eat salt, sugar, additives, or smoke. Drink very moderately, maybe I beer, or one red wine 3x a week. I also walk and ride my mike on a stand in winter. But, if there was something, that can lower mine without increasing or adding new meds with side effects, I’d like to know!