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Ascending Aortic Dilation - Ascending Aortic Aneurysm

Posted by rory @rory, Apr 2, 2018

I was diagnosed in 2012 with ascending aorta dialation of 4.1 cm. In 2013 no change. Finally went back to dr in 2017 and echo showed 4.3 cm. 2 months later dr made me have a chest scan which read 4.5 cm. which is correct? Echo or scan? Dr wants me to have another in 6 months. Very stressful.

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staystable | @staystable | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @prward "My Ascending Aortic Aneurysm was also found during a test for another matter and was very..." + (show)
@prward

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 !!

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

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1 reply
anniejam | @anniejam | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @laverne ""Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66..." + (show)
@laverne

"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?

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Maybe I should take vit. c with my neocell collagen in the morning.

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prward | @prward | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @staystable "How can we strengthen the aorta? Is there a supplement? Vitamin C is known to help..." + (show)
@staystable

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

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My cardiologist stresses the importance of keeping the blood pressure, cholesterol & weight numbers at a satisfactory number. He also keeps reminding me of the importance to keep the stress level down. I have asked about supplements sold over-the-counter and he puts no stock in these. He also has never discussed "strengthening the aorta'.

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maryswims | @maryswims | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @calli123 "Hi Laverne, I understand how unsettling an incidental finding like this is. I also have the..." + (show)
@calli123

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.

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Drew944@

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maryswims | @maryswims | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @laverne ""Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66..." + (show)
@laverne

"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?

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I too was so upset at the finding: now I am outside the surgeons office for my first ultrasound. Ironically, we had a giant snowstorm last night, I had to shovel my car to get here... but I lifted like a tablespoon of snow at a time. Took an hour with resting. I have no symptoms, but high BP..

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win sturgeon | @cobweb | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @laverne ""Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66..." + (show)
@laverne

"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?

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welcome to the club. I have the same, 77 years, good shape, my no is 4.8. The Drs are still doing watchful waiting. I ask why not surgery now. They said many bad things like stroke etc can happen. My friend has his operation in October and he is still in a nursing home. So, i cut my lifting of weights in half and try to relax. Tough to do i know. Luck to us all.

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2 replies
Drew944 | @Drew944 | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @cobweb "welcome to the club. I have the same, 77 years, good shape, my no is 4.8...." + (show)
@cobweb

welcome to the club. I have the same, 77 years, good shape, my no is 4.8. The Drs are still doing watchful waiting. I ask why not surgery now. They said many bad things like stroke etc can happen. My friend has his operation in October and he is still in a nursing home. So, i cut my lifting of weights in half and try to relax. Tough to do i know. Luck to us all.

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In trying real hard to be positive - I heard over all if otherwise healthy the repair rate is excellent like 98-99 %. Scared too that bad things can happen but is that unlikely? Also out of curiosity what’s the longest that anyone here has gone without growth? Also I read of Cleveland clinics site that they successfully do about 500 a year and only consider it to be an aneurysm if over 5 or repair ready based on personal factors. Last question is are any incidental findings - meaning no known risk factors - were any medications or supplements taken that could have caused this- one area where I struggle - will do genetic testing for my family. Like I said trying to be positive.. btw 4.3-4 and 48. Feeling great physically- feels like bs. Best of luck to us all

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Drew944 | @Drew944 | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @laverne ""Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66..." + (show)
@laverne

"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?

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Also heard very important to find best surgeons who do repairs routinely - my research shows Mayo Clinic , cleaveland clinic and cedars Sinai - see others too - local to me but will have to decide when and if the tine comes. Was told may never have to. Hope your friend ends up fully recovering

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2 replies
maryswims | @maryswims | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @Drew944 "Also heard very important to find best surgeons who do repairs routinely - my research shows..." + (show)
@Drew944

Also heard very important to find best surgeons who do repairs routinely - my research shows Mayo Clinic , cleaveland clinic and cedars Sinai - see others too - local to me but will have to decide when and if the tine comes. Was told may never have to. Hope your friend ends up fully recovering

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@Drew944

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maryswims | @maryswims | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @laverne ""Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66..." + (show)
@laverne

"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?

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I was not the one who had a friend who was recovering, but I am the one who is meeting a vascular Surgeon for the first time tomorrow. This one has done AA before, but I don’t don’t know about his familiarity with ascending AA. He is located locally for me, with Brown University Medical School. So it’s a teaching hospital. I also have Boston and Yale Hospitals nearer me than Cleveland or Florida Mayo. But he appears to have very good rating.

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