Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

Welcome to the Aortic Aneurysms group on Mayo Clinic Connect.

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta. The aorta begins deep in the heart as it emerges from the powerful left ventricle, gently arching over the heart, descending into the chest, and finally into the abdomen. Some aortic aneurysms can be harmless; others can lead to catastrophic problems. I invite you to follow this group and connect with others, share experiences, exchange useful information, and learn about aortic aneurysms.

Get started rby clicking the +FOLLOW icon on the group page here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/aneurysms/

There are some great conversations going on right now that I think you’ll like. Grab a cup of tea, or beverage of your choice, and lets chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aortic Aneurysms Support Group.

I’d like to join this group. My name is Maria Arroyave. I have an aortic aneurysm.

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@grandchild

It’s been a while since I’ve been in touch. I apologize. I’ve had an interesting year so far. I’ve been to the doctor (cardiologist) a few times. Each time an adjustment was made to my meds. Mainly because I’ve developed a shortness of breath in the recent past. I’ve continued in my daily walks but I seem to have to walk slowler these days. Not sure if I should push myself to quicken my pace. I just went yesterday for a “Shape” test to resolve the question if my shortness of breath, is coming from my heart or my lungs. I should know the results by the 27th of his month.

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Hello @grandchild,

It has been a while since you last posted about your shortness of breath and your aneurysm. I hope you are doing better, especially with the shortness of breath. I hope you can provide an update.

Any new test results or treatments?

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Do you monitor your blood oxygen level with an oximeter at home? I was recently started on oxygen because I had low oxygen levels on my sleep study. I also have drops during the day. My arrthymias decreased and I feel better when I keep my blood oxygen over 90% as directed by my Cardiologist, Pulmonologist, and Sleep medicine doctors.

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An 87 year old Canadian here. I have a Thoracic Aortic Aneurism currently measuring 54mm.meaured by both Ct and Echo Cardiogram. Measurement has been stable for the last 2 years. Previously I had an adominal aortic Anerurism repaired by EVAR proceedure 5-6 years ago. Five months ago I had a pacemaker implanted . Unfortunately one lead is going to have to be repositioned. Currently I am on wait and watch with keeping blood pressure as low as possible and using CPAC to keep nightly events as low as possible. Any other ideas?

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@grandchild

BTW “SHAPE stands for Sub-maximal Heart and Pulmonary Evaluation.

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Hello @grandchild,

I appreciate your explaining what SHAPE means. What types of tests were included in this study? I'm thinking that perhaps a pulmonary stress test might have been done? (That is where you blow into a device that is put on your lips while you walk on a treadmill.)

When you have the results of that test, will you post and let me know how you are doing?

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@grandchild

It’s been a while since I’ve been in touch. I apologize. I’ve had an interesting year so far. I’ve been to the doctor (cardiologist) a few times. Each time an adjustment was made to my meds. Mainly because I’ve developed a shortness of breath in the recent past. I’ve continued in my daily walks but I seem to have to walk slowler these days. Not sure if I should push myself to quicken my pace. I just went yesterday for a “Shape” test to resolve the question if my shortness of breath, is coming from my heart or my lungs. I should know the results by the 27th of his month.

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BTW “SHAPE stands for Sub-maximal Heart and Pulmonary Evaluation.

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@hopeful33250

Hello @franip

I just wanted to check in with you as you had mentioned that you were going to have a physical in July and you were going to mention your symptoms to the doctor.

Did your doctor think that these symptoms might be related to the aortic aneurysm?

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It’s been a while since I’ve been in touch. I apologize. I’ve had an interesting year so far. I’ve been to the doctor (cardiologist) a few times. Each time an adjustment was made to my meds. Mainly because I’ve developed a shortness of breath in the recent past. I’ve continued in my daily walks but I seem to have to walk slowler these days. Not sure if I should push myself to quicken my pace. I just went yesterday for a “Shape” test to resolve the question if my shortness of breath, is coming from my heart or my lungs. I should know the results by the 27th of his month.

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@franip

I am sorry, I didn't think of listing my symotoms in my original post. I am noticing a greater level of fatigue and shortness of breath. Now i'm not sure if that is related to my age, slight weight gain or my medical condition. I have a physical coming up and i will discuss these issues at that time. I will give an update after my exam on July 12th. Thank you for your interest.

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Hello @franip,

I was thinking about you and wondering if your exam on July 12th went well. I hope you received some helpful information.

I would enjoy hearing from you. Will you post an update when it is convenient?

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@dixiemisty

My cardiac thoracic surgeon recommended me to see a cardiologist for baseline cardiac workup. This included an EKG and scheduled echocardiogram to check out heart valves etc. You need to study all structures of the heart and check for any leaking of valves. Anyway, he has an associate who is also a cardiologist but she also does testing for a specific gene that families can carry and pass down which is responsible for causing aneurysms. It's not going to be helpful in our aneurysms but early awareness for our offspring. Early detection , awareness and being pro-active is crucial. Hopes this is helpful. Best regards.

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Thank you so much, the information was helpful.

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@dianecostella

I didn’t realize there was a genetic test for this. Can you elaborate please? Is it specifically for this? My father and brother both had aortic aneurysms but in the abdomen. My brother passed away on the operating table he was unaware he had it. My dad’s had a slow leak he had a 15 hour operation. He made it through but was never the same.

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My cardiac thoracic surgeon recommended me to see a cardiologist for baseline cardiac workup. This included an EKG and scheduled echocardiogram to check out heart valves etc. You need to study all structures of the heart and check for any leaking of valves. Anyway, he has an associate who is also a cardiologist but she also does testing for a specific gene that families can carry and pass down which is responsible for causing aneurysms. It's not going to be helpful in our aneurysms but early awareness for our offspring. Early detection , awareness and being pro-active is crucial. Hopes this is helpful. Best regards.

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