1. < Aortic Aneurysms

Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

Posted by Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator @kanaazpereira, Feb 16, 2018

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.

pamela78 | @pamela78 | Aug 3 8:20am
In reply to @GratefulEveryDay "Mine is also 4.4cm. After a gene study, I have the LOX defect. Hard to find..." + (show)
@GratefulEveryDay

Mine is also 4.4cm. After a gene study, I have the LOX defect. Hard to find any info on it. It lacks the collagen and elasticity and causes aortic dissections. I feel fine, but can't help but be on your mind often. I think it makes one appreciate every moment of life. I turned 67 in June, and mom died from it at almost 67. I believe with the Connective Tissue Disease, I will meet with the surgeons in about 6 months. We should stay in contact! My sis and daughter also have the gene defect.

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I plan to have that genetic test as well. I only just learned about it. I hope my kids don't have a bad gene. Yes, it does rather stay on one's mind. It's like Before AAA and after diagnosis. The world has shifted a bit. This group helps.

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1 reply
texas1947 | @texas1947 | Aug 3 7:51am
In reply to @ironant "I would be interested in what ur Dr. is determining that you will not need surgery..." + (show)
@ironant

I would be interested in what ur Dr. is determining that you will not need surgery or lets just why he thinks that ?
Terry

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Of course he could nor would not guarantee no surgery, but unlikely IF it is there is minimal growth, considering my age (77). I told him my fear was getting 85-90 years & needing surgery. His reply simply was you would not be a candidate for surgery at that age, so go on & stay as healthy as possible & live your life.

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GratefulEveryDay | @GratefulEveryDay | Aug 2 1:11pm
In reply to @lawless "Just found out yesterday TAA 4.4 cm and will be monitoring.. Appreciate all the good information..." + (show)
@lawless

Just found out yesterday TAA 4.4 cm and will be monitoring..
Appreciate all the good information as I am still in shock..
Just started low dose beta blocker and already on 2.5 lisinopril for bp.. Doc said to get off the lisinopril if the bp goes to low…
Good to hear your stories….

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Mine is also 4.4cm. After a gene study, I have the LOX defect. Hard to find any info on it. It lacks the collagen and elasticity and causes aortic dissections. I feel fine, but can't help but be on your mind often. I think it makes one appreciate every moment of life. I turned 67 in June, and mom died from it at almost 67. I believe with the Connective Tissue Disease, I will meet with the surgeons in about 6 months. We should stay in contact! My sis and daughter also have the gene defect.

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1 reply
ironant | @ironant | Aug 2 11:51am
In reply to @texas1947 "Thank you so much for this confirmation! Its not that I don't trust my cardio!ogist, but..." + (show)
@texas1947

Thank you so much for this confirmation! Its not that I don't trust my cardio!ogist, but as he said in a few years, you will not be a candidate for surgery, & not to be stressed about it.

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I would be interested in what ur Dr. is determining that you will not need surgery or lets just why he thinks that ?
Terry

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1 reply
pamela78 | @pamela78 | Aug 1 7:42am
In reply to @glendamn "Hey I have this so called bovine arch too , along with a bicupsic valve ...." + (show)
@glendamn

Hey I have this so called bovine arch too , along with a bicupsic valve . My ascending aneurysm is 4.4 . I go for another ct in the new year. The arch thing I know is weird , but I guess it does happen . I think it’s important for surgery as to know where things are.

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I like the way we share information here. I think doctors tell us the minimum and don't want to overwhelm us, but reading posts from this groups when I'm in a calmer frame of mind is so helpful.

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1 reply
glendamn | @glendamn | Aug 1 7:08am
In reply to @pamela78 "This is very helpful. Thank you. I'm 78 with a 4.2 and a Bovine heart. I'm..." + (show)
@pamela78

This is very helpful. Thank you. I'm 78 with a 4.2 and a Bovine heart. I'm glad to know about the breathing thing as my b.p. has been way higher than usual.

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Hey I have this so called bovine arch too , along with a bicupsic valve . My ascending aneurysm is 4.4 . I go for another ct in the new year. The arch thing I know is weird , but I guess it does happen . I think it’s important for surgery as to know where things are.
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1 reply
pamela78 | @pamela78 | Aug 1 5:59am
In reply to @ginnycake "You might want to check out the American heart association guidelines for aortic aneurysms. I think..." + (show)
@ginnycake

You might want to check out the American heart association guidelines for aortic aneurysms. I think it can be googled. They came out updated in 2022? I think they lowered the size to 5.5 for surgery for a three leaflet valve which is the normal configuration a two leaflet valve is more likely to have issues and so they, do surgery sooner I think at 5.0 I looked at and it was very helpful. Someone also on here told me about square breathing, where you breathing through your nose 4 seconds, hold it four seconds and breeze out through your mouth for four seconds… It takes you out of fighter flight and put you into rest and digest. In other words, it tricks your body into thinking your calm and your blood pressure is rising because of stress it will go back down I feel that really helpful because when I first was diagnosed that was terrified, but I am at peace now and my 4.2 cm aneurysm has remained stable for the last year and a few months

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This is very helpful. Thank you. I'm 78 with a 4.2 and a Bovine heart. I'm glad to know about the breathing thing as my b.p. has been way higher than usual.

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1 reply
ginnycake | @ginnycake | Aug 1 1:13am
In reply to @pamela78 "I have a three leaflet valve as well. I never even heart of such a thing..." + (show)
@pamela78

I have a three leaflet valve as well. I never even heart of such a thing until about two weeks ago. I also have a Bovine heart. I didn't know I was in such strange shape. (I'm 78) My blood pressure was well-controlled with meds. and my cholesterol has always been good, but ever since getting this diagnosis my b.p. has spiked. I have some family issues that are ongoing so my stress level is on the high side, though I don't really feel anything physically. I didn't know about the 6.0 threshold for 3-leaflet valve. To be quite honest, I'm getting more information from this group than from my doctor. I like him a lot but I'm learning there's a lot more to this than I've been told. When I asked him if I'd be okay, he said, "Probably." It takes some getting used to having a serious diagnosis that can only ultimately be resolved with open-heart surgery.

Jump to this post

You might want to check out the American heart association guidelines for aortic aneurysms. I think it can be googled. They came out updated in 2022? I think they lowered the size to 5.5 for surgery for a three leaflet valve which is the normal configuration a two leaflet valve is more likely to have issues and so they, do surgery sooner I think at 5.0 I looked at and it was very helpful. Someone also on here told me about square breathing, where you breathing through your nose 4 seconds, hold it four seconds and breeze out through your mouth for four seconds… It takes you out of fighter flight and put you into rest and digest. In other words, it tricks your body into thinking your calm and your blood pressure is rising because of stress it will go back down I feel that really helpful because when I first was diagnosed that was terrified, but I am at peace now and my 4.2 cm aneurysm has remained stable for the last year and a few months

REPLY
1 reply
ginnycake | @ginnycake | Aug 1 1:08am
In reply to @pamela78 "I have a three leaflet valve as well. I never even heart of such a thing..." + (show)
@pamela78

I have a three leaflet valve as well. I never even heart of such a thing until about two weeks ago. I also have a Bovine heart. I didn't know I was in such strange shape. (I'm 78) My blood pressure was well-controlled with meds. and my cholesterol has always been good, but ever since getting this diagnosis my b.p. has spiked. I have some family issues that are ongoing so my stress level is on the high side, though I don't really feel anything physically. I didn't know about the 6.0 threshold for 3-leaflet valve. To be quite honest, I'm getting more information from this group than from my doctor. I like him a lot but I'm learning there's a lot more to this than I've been told. When I asked him if I'd be okay, he said, "Probably." It takes some getting used to having a serious diagnosis that can only ultimately be resolved with open-heart surgery.

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Hi, I just wanted to mention that usually when they talk about having a bovine structure, they’re talking about the four vessels coming out of the aorta instead of three usually it’s the left vertebral artery coming directly out of your aorta instead of your sub clavicular artery. It’s a normal aberrant. I know that sounds weird but it’s a normal difference…the only time ( that i’m aware of ) that it impacts anything is if there’s surgery that has to be entered into from the back surgeon has to be very careful not to nick it .

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texas1947 | @texas1947 | Jul 31 8:11pm
In reply to @pamela78 "I have a three leaflet valve as well. I never even heart of such a thing..." + (show)
@pamela78

I have a three leaflet valve as well. I never even heart of such a thing until about two weeks ago. I also have a Bovine heart. I didn't know I was in such strange shape. (I'm 78) My blood pressure was well-controlled with meds. and my cholesterol has always been good, but ever since getting this diagnosis my b.p. has spiked. I have some family issues that are ongoing so my stress level is on the high side, though I don't really feel anything physically. I didn't know about the 6.0 threshold for 3-leaflet valve. To be quite honest, I'm getting more information from this group than from my doctor. I like him a lot but I'm learning there's a lot more to this than I've been told. When I asked him if I'd be okay, he said, "Probably." It takes some getting used to having a serious diagnosis that can only ultimately be resolved with open-heart surgery.

Jump to this post

I understand your situation. In short, my doctor summed it up, "if you 47, I'd say surgery was in your future, but @ 77, you will not get to the surgery threshold". Very hard news, but probably very realistic.

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