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.

@dglstaf

Does anyone take Metoprolol? If so, what are your experiences? I have not started yet. I have read many reviews and most of the lean towards the negative side. Any positive experiences with this drug?

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I have been taking Metoprolol for about 10 year no issues works well for me. Keeps my BP within range.

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The 5.5 is obviously based on historical probabilities, but there other factors, genetic propensity to ruptures, Blood Pressure, it is sad that insurance (Medicare included ) base a ruling solely on one element. Besides my aortic aneurysm I also had a brain aneurysm, it was less than 3MM (which was the standard for brain aneurysm) and my surgeon fixed it and justified it to the Insurance based on family history (at least 3 ruptures on my mother side including my brother), that greatly influenced getting my aortic aneurysm fixed at 5.2

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@deedth64

I have been taking Metoprolol for about 10 year no issues works well for me. Keeps my BP within range.

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Good to know! Thanks for the info.

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Hi I’m in Florida and was diagnosed with the aneurysm about seven or eight years ago. The cardiologist does a CT scan every two years and tells me there’s no problems. I think it is around three or 3 1/2 I have high blood pressure which is controlled with medication and I’m in the process of losing weight with Weight Watchers, I’m on a walker and rather sedentary and really glad to be part of this group

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I finally got to see my Cardiologist today. I did meet with his PA over the holiday who is very capable but I just needed to speak to my Doctor. He assured me that my 4.1 cm is very small he went on to say that the word Aneurysm shouldn't not be used to describe certain sized dilations. He also said there will be a new term that the medical profession is looking to use is ectasia. He said mine falls into that category. I asked about the measurement he did confirm that the 4.1 cm is the size of the diameter of the aorta not the ectasia. I asked what size my aorta is and he is sending me for a Chest CT so we can see. But the overall discussion was that yes I have a dilation but nothing will be done before it reaches 5.5 cm he said the medical field is constantly coming up with new innovative ways of treating these types of issues and the survival rate had gone up significantly. So if I need to have this addressed there will probably be a new much less invasive way of correcting it. Bottom line is that I am glad I went to see him my stress level has gone down significantly and I feel much more relaxed about the entire situation. He said as long as I follow his instructions which is take my HBP meds, keep the Cholesterol where it should be and monitor I should be OK and that is all I needed to hear.

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@dianeflorida

Hi I’m in Florida and was diagnosed with the aneurysm about seven or eight years ago. The cardiologist does a CT scan every two years and tells me there’s no problems. I think it is around three or 3 1/2 I have high blood pressure which is controlled with medication and I’m in the process of losing weight with Weight Watchers, I’m on a walker and rather sedentary and really glad to be part of this group

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Welcome to the group! It sounds like you are considered stable which is great news! By the way I am a WW Lifetime member I became Lifetime over 15 years ago. Good luck with that program it works I am proof of that!

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I feel blessed, this program is available for us! I’m new ! I’m listening.

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@dianeflorida

Hi I’m in Florida and was diagnosed with the aneurysm about seven or eight years ago. The cardiologist does a CT scan every two years and tells me there’s no problems. I think it is around three or 3 1/2 I have high blood pressure which is controlled with medication and I’m in the process of losing weight with Weight Watchers, I’m on a walker and rather sedentary and really glad to be part of this group

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God bless you!

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@deedth64

I finally got to see my Cardiologist today. I did meet with his PA over the holiday who is very capable but I just needed to speak to my Doctor. He assured me that my 4.1 cm is very small he went on to say that the word Aneurysm shouldn't not be used to describe certain sized dilations. He also said there will be a new term that the medical profession is looking to use is ectasia. He said mine falls into that category. I asked about the measurement he did confirm that the 4.1 cm is the size of the diameter of the aorta not the ectasia. I asked what size my aorta is and he is sending me for a Chest CT so we can see. But the overall discussion was that yes I have a dilation but nothing will be done before it reaches 5.5 cm he said the medical field is constantly coming up with new innovative ways of treating these types of issues and the survival rate had gone up significantly. So if I need to have this addressed there will probably be a new much less invasive way of correcting it. Bottom line is that I am glad I went to see him my stress level has gone down significantly and I feel much more relaxed about the entire situation. He said as long as I follow his instructions which is take my HBP meds, keep the Cholesterol where it should be and monitor I should be OK and that is all I needed to hear.

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You Dr mentioned that a minimal non invasive surgery is now or in the future?

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@dtimwvmayo1959

You Dr mentioned that a minimal non invasive surgery is now or in the future?

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He said that there are techniques used today that are totally non invasive he talked about going thru the groin and even the side he is a fairly young cardio doctor and he is on top of the innovations that the medical field is working on that is why he said these techniques keep evolving making them better and better.

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