Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

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.

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.

The surgical threshold for ascending aortic aneurysms can vary based on several factors, including the type of aortic valve, the patient’s overall health, and the presence of symptoms. In patients with a bicuspid aortic valve, the threshold for surgical intervention is often set at 5.0 cm due to a higher risk of complications such as rupture or dissection. However, in patients with a trileaflet aortic valve, the risk profile can differ, potentially allowing for a higher threshold of 5.5 to 6.0 cm before surgery is considered.

Your cardiologist’s recommendation of a 6.0 cm threshold is based on your specific condition and the presence of a trileaflet valve, which typically has a different risk profile compared to a bicuspid valve. The larger threshold takes into account your good overall health, controlled blood pressure, and lack of other health concerns. This approach aims to balance the benefits of delaying surgery with the risks associated with the aneurysm’s growth.

While it may not be as commonly discussed, there is medical literature supporting the higher threshold for patients with trileaflet valves. The goal is to avoid the risks and complications of surgery until it is absolutely necessary, given the slower growth rate and lower rupture risk associated with these conditions in some patients.

It’s understandable to feel anxious about this diagnosis and the varying thresholds. It’s important to have regular follow-ups with your cardiologist, including imaging studies like echocardiograms or CT scans, to monitor the size and growth rate of the aneurysm. This proactive approach ensures timely intervention if needed.

• Lifestyle: Continue maintaining an active lifestyle, as physical fitness contributes to overall cardiovascular health.
• Medications: Adhere strictly to your prescribed medications for blood pressure and cholesterol management.
• Monitoring: Schedule regular check-ups and imaging studies to track any changes in the size of your aneurysm.

Your cardiologist’s advice appears to be well-founded, considering your individual health profile and the nature of your aortic valve. It is not uncommon for patients with a trileaflet valve to have a higher surgical threshold. Staying informed and maintaining open communication with your healthcare team is essential for managing your condition effectively. His prediction that you will outlive this aneurysm is well placed. Peace.

I am a 77 yr old female, just diagnosed with a 4.3 TAA, ascending. I am in good health, controlled BP with meds, Good cholesterol, triglycerides, very active with
no other health concerns, no previous surgeries.
My question is after my cardiologist consultation, he said because I have a 3 leaflet valve vs. A 2 leaflet (bicuspid) valve my surgical threshold was 6.0, not the most common 5.0 cm.
He was implying I had much more room for growth & would probably die with this ever reaching that point of surgery. I had not heard of this 6.0 cm measurement as common before, after researching intently.
Has anyone with similar circumstances received this prediction? My inclination was he is trying to settle my anxiety.
Thank you for any input concerning 6cm VS 5cm.

Mine was 5.5 and I have aortic dissection. I don't know which caused what but they replaced the AAA (TAA) TYPE A and removed the aneurysm. The remaining TYPE B they can't fix because it's my entire aorta.
I am on perindopril and a statin and another thing. I am meant not to strain or lift. Just nothing that needs to clench and lift. The type B is a concern sure. But I am fortunate to know that I have it and it can be monitored.

Seconded. I make it a point to follow up at every opportunity. I am sure they added my card to their wall of thank you cards. I know "you saved my life" seems uncomfortable for them to hear it but it's something I have to say... every time. I wouldn't be here writing this if it wasn't for the teams of teams that got me through my ordeal.
The least I can do is thank them.

No power lifting. No planking. Keep your blood pressure low. Cut out sugar altogether and reduce salt. Take your BP Meds as directed. Walks. No running. Stay within 30 minutes of a cardiac ICU. If you feel chest pain (tearing pain) call 911. Post-surgery I golf, walk, play with dogs, litigate in federal court. Thankful for every single day. No running or weightlifting for me. Use a cart and take it easy. Learn to relax. You’re going to be fine. I had 42 minutes between the start of my dissection and being cracked open. I never had time to fret. Don’t fret. You know you have an issue and you’re taking care of yourself. Peace.

Thank you so much.. can I still do things now..?
I’m reading many things about not straining to hard..
Things around the house..?
Thanks for the positive comments…
Kevin

You’re safe and you’re going to be OK. Your doctors are on top of this and you are on top of it. That’s what matters. You know you have an issue and you know you have a great team behind you that will help you solve it. You are ahead of 99% of other patients who have no idea that they have this condition until the aneurysm bursts, and then it’s too late. It’s scary, but it’s going to be OK and the fact that you are aware of it and ready, willing, and able to do something about it means that you’re gonna be a survivor with all the rest of us. There is life after an aortic dissection. I have a wonderful life and I am wonderfully healthy. I am much healthier than I was before. It happened in 2015, even though I did not know why I didn’t feel so well. An aneurysm in aorta changes the how hard your heart has to work to circulate blood and affects the way the blood flows through your body. It’s bad for your heart and shortens your life. So doing a Repair, while initially painful following surgery, is going to make you feel like a new person because now your heart will be working correctly. Your surgeons will also have a chance to repair or replace your aortic valve in the event that is compromised or damaged. You’re going to be fine. I’ve been alive and well for nine years following emergency surgery to replace my dissected order in 2015. I survived this whole time so I could help give you good information and bring you peace. Peace.

Having survived the same in 2015, I agree with absolutely everything you’ve said. Your doctors want what’s best for you and the ICU people are there to save your life. I cannot say enough good things UCSD La Jolla and it’s heart care center in San Diego. Make sure that you go back and visit them a year out five years out, 10 years out. Nothing brings them greater joy than knowing that they added to your life and saved you.