Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

No family history. I went through the risk factors with the heart specialist (head of thoracic surgery and a major university hospital) and do not fit any except elevated blood pressure that was treated and still is. I was exercising a lot (road biking) that I have now stopped. I have lost weight, my blood pressure is lower (still take meds) and walk instead. I am basically doing all I can and hope it stays stable. If not I have a plan in place where to go and have the surgery done if/when it is needed.

I have accidently diagnosed with Ascending Aortic Aneurysm through a CT test in December 2023. Post TEE test confirmed that I have bicuspid valve as well. My ascending aorta size in CT scan is define as 4.4 X 4.5. I am 50 years of age and overall healthy with daily workout (Aerobic exercises). I do not know of anyone in my family with this condition from genetics perspective. Cardiologist asked for another CT scan in 6 months to see the growth rate and define next steps.

My BP remains in overall good control (AVG 125/83).

1. Anyone have similar experience and how fast that Aorta size will increase over time?
2. Once this size becomes 5.5 and surgery is the only option, what are the risk for 50 year old male?
3. Is there anything I can do that can help reduce or eliminate this speed of Aorta growth?

Hi my names is Doug! Great posts and helpful information. I have a 4.2 ascending aneurysm, RV dilation, and regurgitation in my heart. Newly diagnosed,trying to deal with the info. Feeling a bit overwhelmed!

My AAA is 4.1 cm both my Primary and Cardiologist just said that I need to be checked again at the end of this year. Neither doctor said to stop exercising actually they encourage it. Both doctors know that I do not lift heavy weights I use mostly machines and never more than 15 lbs. I do a lot of cardio and they said that was OK. Basically told me to keep my BP at 130/80 or below and to make sure I take my Cholesterol meds they want my LDL below 70. I try not to focus on it too much it's in the back of my mind but I will not let this take over my life. If I follow my doctors orders I believe I will be alright. I am told that these are typically not fast growing and some remain the same size for a very long time and never need to be repaired. They also told me the risk factor for the size I have for rupture is < 1% that is why they just check it annually

Hi, in 2019 after an MTB accident/leg fracture they found a 5.2cm ascending aortic aneurysm, I also have a bicuspid valve. I was 54 at the time (58 now), I was in great physical condition as I worked out often, never smoked. The thought of having a time bomb was too stressful and given my surgeon gave me a >99% probability of no complications, and that I could return to my normal life at some point, I decided to get the surgery as soon as possible. Had to wait for the leg fracture to get better and 3 months after leg surgery I had my heart surgery. Not going to minimize it, it is painful and you feel awful for a few days, but as the surgeon said, it went with no issues, I returned to normal workouts and my bike in a few months. My only restrictions are due to leg fracture not the chest surgery. As with some bicuspid valves it will have to be replaced at some point, but with the aneurysm repaired it can now be done through catheter. If anyone wants additional info/advice let me know

Is there a reason they didn't fix the valve at the same time as the aneurysm? I'm leaning towards wanting to fix this before something happens , and I'm young enough to recover quicker.

Yes, my surgeon told me he would look at the valve and evaluate it’s condition, he told me no artificial valve will be as good as a working bicuspid (my own valve), if the valve had marginal life left then he would replace it. At the end his feedback was my valve had minor deterioration and would probably last another 10-15 years, so he decided to leave it.

PS: also the valve replacement can happen very easily now and who knows what will be available in 10 years. My 88 year old mom just had hers replaced by catheter and was out of the hospital in a day.

No sense freaking out about it at 4.2 , they don't fix till it gets 5.5
Mines at 5.0 , I try not to worry about it , I imagine next year they'll fix it

Thanks for your input. Helps with the apprehension!