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Ascending Aortic Aneurysm and Exercise

Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: Nov 8, 2023 | Replies (107)

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@bitsygirl

This is scary. A 4.5 cm "aneurysmal dilation" of my ascending aorta was found during a calcium scoring test two months ago. I still haven't been able to get in to see a cardiologist to learn more about what is going on. I've done a fair bit of reading and 4.5 cm seems to have a low risk of dissection (at least for the ascending aorta). Can I ask what you were doing when it dissected? What did it feel like? How far away were you from help? I am in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. Glad you made it through!

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Replies to "This is scary. A 4.5 cm "aneurysmal dilation" of my ascending aorta was found during a..."

I know exactly how you feel. I reacted the same way when I found out during a CT for calcium scoring. In the 2 .5 years since I've learned to calm down, in part because I go for a CT with contrast dye and echocardiogram every 6 months. I found a good cardiac surgeon recommended by my primary care Dr. who is up to date on the most recent recommendations.
There is a huge difference between having an ascending aortic aneurysm and having a dissection. With 3 scans behind me I now know that for me there is no evidence of dissection and that has remained stable, the aneurysm is stable and may very well have been there my whole adult life. That gives me peace of mind and I no longer wake up every day worrying that I'm going to have a blow-out of my aorta. I did get a medical alert bracelet so that should something happen medical personnel will know to first check for a dissection.

I learned the most important thing is to make sure my BP is managed and to stay active and heart healthy. Educating yourself is the best way to get peace of mind.
I've had to change my exercise routine and medication as well as learn to ask for help when lifting heavy objects. That has taken some effort on my part. No traditional weight training at the gym - now it is lighter weight and more reps. We added a Beta blocker to my existing BP medication to lower the pressure and flow of blood through my aorta. I use Pilates/yoga breathing any time I lift anything, even a bag of groceries. No more using my body as a pack mule to haul stuff around.
Hope that gives you some ideas for taking control and feeling less helpless in the face of a unexpected diagnosis. Just remember, your chances of survival just jumped immensely by knowing you have an aneurysm.

I was going up the steps to our barn - twice. I think there are 12 steps. My eyes felt funny and I was perspiring heavily. I had knee surgery a year in advance. I thought I was out of shape from kneed surgery. Then I began to see little black and white flashing light out of the corner of each eye. I live on a farm, out in the middle of no where too. We are fairly close to a local hospital. I immediately went down the steps and when I reached the bottom, I yelled for my husband. The next thing I knew I was sitting outside of our barn on a grappling bucket. He was standing next to me. I said did I yell your name? He said, yes twice. I told him I didn't feel good and he said I didn't look good (I'm not sure what that meant). He said he wanted to take me to the hospital. I said I wanted out of the sun because it was hot. So we started walking towards the shade and I began to vomit. He took me to the hospital ER. They tested me for stroke and heart attack. They found nothing. I was admitted and laid flat for 15 hours and transferred to Mayo. The surgeon and his team were waiting for me when I arrived. I immediately went into surgery. I am a very lucky person.
Wishing you the best and others. It is scary but I try to live my life I just don't lift like I used to.