Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

Are you a smoker ? That and High Blood Pressure seems to be the cause of mine. There is a theory out there that the vaccine for Covid could worsen the symptoms but I don’t believe that.

Hello, I am a 64 yo female in relatively good shape exercise 7 days per week I do have HBP which is part of the reason I have been diagnosed with the Aorta Aneurysm it measures 4.1 cm. I did have an Catheterization Procedure in 2018 where this was first found. However after the procedure my Cardiologist wasn't concerned he said there was no dissection but it was enlarged he did not call it an aneurysm. I recently had a CT Calcium score test and it was noted in the additional findings. This is worrisome but from what I have read anything < 4.9 is low risk for rupture and needs to be monitored the frequency is up to the doctor. Then I also read that there are new treatments and that depending on the situation you could possibly have this fixed via a Cath if the aneurysm grows to 5 cm or larger. Needless to say I am worried but these are the cards I am dealt and have to play. I am seeing my GP this week (12/14/23) and my Cardiologist next week 12/21/23 so I will know more then. I think the research you can do on Google is helpful to put my mind a little at ease. Anyway thanks for listening and if anyone has any words of encouragement they are greatly welcomed.

I have been diagnosed with 2 spleen aneurysms. I was terrified because I had a ascending thoracic aorta aneurysm 13 years ago that required major surgery and getting a mechanical heart valve. The vascular surgeon said he wants to watch them because the surgery is very tough. I try not to worry but I do. Not sure why this is happening.

I suggest you a good heart/thoracic doctor who specializes in repair of accenting aneurisms. They not only give good advice but also are there in case it grows to 5mm or more when it might require an operation. It has to be in a hospital that has comprehensive resources and does this operation a lot. Mine is also at 42mm. A lot of good advice from others in this forum. My doctors stress limiting the weight I lift, keeping blood pressure low, heart rate low etc. All the best.

The doctors said no exercise?

Just no heavy lifting. Just stating I swim for exercise, as part of introduction, sorry for confusion.

O Ok I haven't gone to my doctor's yet to review my test results I go next week to the Cardiologist and this week to the GP. I typically don't lift free weights beyond 5 lbs. I am curious what he'll say regarding cardio if I have to monitor my heart rate as not to get it up too high we'll see. Anyway good luck on your journey

Hi Chrisn61. I am going to be seen in genetics in March. I have a 44 ascending aneurysm. No risk factors, but it appears to be growing. My brother age 68 has a 42 ascending aneurysm. My cardiologist is sending me for the genetic testing, because the researchers are looking for common genes which predispose some people to aneurysms. They also plan to check all the arteries at that time. What I have read, is that there is a percentage of people who have dissections at smaller sizes than 4.5 to 5.0 measurement, and if a person has a genetic predisposition identified, then this would influence the schedule for a repair. I am just hoping that my brother's and mine dont grow anymore. We will see what happens. Good luck with yours. Plus I hope that the researchers are able to identify the gene or genes responsible soon.
UPArtist

Thanks for the information. Best of luck to you and your brother. Where are you getting your DNA testing done?

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