Aneurysm of the ascending aorta

I agree with you, but I certainly hope searching is done in an expedited fashion!! It sounds like it needs repair ASAP!

Something to be aware of in aneurysm measurements is that the MRI and Echo measure differently. One measures straight across the aorta and the other measures on the diagonal so will always have a higher number. So we can't compare the two and think our aneurysm size has had a sudden growth spurt.

My ascending aortic aneurysm is at 4.4, which is up from 4.3 two years ago. I expressed concern to my cardio and she said that amount of growth is insignificant. Another cardio described the aneurysm as "small".

I understand that aneurysm repair is a big surgery (and I don't know how long a repair is expected to last). I think unless there is another issue, a well regarded cardio surgeon will not repair the aorta at this size. Watchful waiting seems to be the protocol. I am 78 and am hoping I kick the bucket of some other issue well before I need this surgery.

I understand your concern and your desire to take control of the situation and just get it fixed. But I'm not sure getting it fixed at this stage is my best option. I wish you good health and slow growth to the aneurysm.

Donna

My cardiovascular surgeon has finally gotten a portal and I can see all my upcoming appointments. All those tests you mentioned I am getting this month included the and thoracic test which is a measurement inside my heart and aorta. Have an aortic mechanical heart valve and a 3.9 cm torn aorta artery aneurysm and he will look at that because even though it’s far from 5cm it has a slight rupture in it and he may go in and fix it witch is considered common once it develops a tear. They might want to catch it before it grows and becomes a full blown rupture which is potentially fatal. I have an echocardiogram ,
The ABT thing ( I forgot the name) so he will check the mech aortic valve and the aneurysm down in my abdomen then do a follow up. I’m in good hands 👌

I am surprised that your doctor would go by readings from echos as they’re so unreliable for measurements! I very glad that you’re going in for an MRA!!

Normal growth rate is 1/3rd cm/yr on average. As you know, you are right that the rapid growth rate you are experiencing is higher than normal. So, at 7 cm per year you have got to find an aneurysm specialist with abdominal descending experience. I would trade you in a heart beat due to the relative ease of going through the groin with a stint to repair a descending problem with a small cut that you recover from in a few days. Thoracic aortic ascending aneurysm cuts you up and takes two months to recover. A friend of mine is going through it right now. So relatively speaking your are or will be in good shape if you get this done before you experience a dissection or blow out which you do not want to chance. Good Luck. Mayo is a good start.

Well Jeff, Welcome. You’re already on the right track as this is a great group of intelligent and understanding individuals. Ya need to get a damn good cardiologist next and Mayo probably got the best this country has to offer, and ya need to find someone who empathizes with your pain and is not afraid to keep you supplied with a good pain medicine and a 30 day supply at a time til they can figure out how to fix you up so you hopefully will be able to function without it which may or may not be the case. One can only hope, but I think that would be the best place to start. My name is Robert and I hope this will be of some use to you. Again, welcome!

Thank you very much for explain why there’s a difference in aneurysm measurements. My aneurysm measurements on my ascending aorta:
8/23/24: 4.0
6/25/25: 4.5
Growth = .5 in 10 months = .05 per month
My cardiologist said that she was concerned because is enlarging more than expected. I also determined that aortic disease runs in my family.

I’m 74 and will be having my first appointment with an interventional cardiologist at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix on 9/19/25. I’ll have an ECG at 8 am and the cardiologist will see me later that afternoon.

My cardiologist in Kentucky said I need to have a heart catheterization because that’s always needed before open hearts surgery.

Often times, I feel like I’m a walking time bomb. I’m curious how others with an aneurysm on their ascending aorta reframe daily life. I do try all the positive things of saying I’m just blessed that I’m alive at this age. However, some days feae just gets to me more than others.

Blessings & Blue Skies

I think you are handling this perfectly. See the experts, have the tests and see what your options are. Your cardio at Mayo will fill you in on all your options.

BTW, 74 is the new 54. Don't count yourself out because of age. Valve replacements have been done on people far older than you.

I wish you good luck with your Mayo experience and a long and healthy life.

Donna

Thank you very much for explain why there’s a difference in aneurysm measurements. My aneurysm measurements on my ascending aorta:
8/23/24: 4.0
6/25/25: 4.5
Growth = .5 in 10 months = .05 per month
My cardiologist said that she was concerned because is enlarging more than expected. I also determined that aortic disease runs in my family.

I’m 74 and will be having my first appointment with an interventional cardiologist at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix on 9/19/25. I’ll have an ECG at 8 am and the cardiologist will see me later that afternoon.

My cardiologist in Kentucky said I need to have a heart catheterization because that’s always needed before open hearts surgery.

Often times, I feel like I’m a walking time bomb. I’m curious how others with an aneurysm on their ascending aorta reframe daily life. I do try all the positive things of saying I’m just blessed that I’m alive at this age. However, some days feae just gets to me more than others.

Blessings & Blue Skies