Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

@ktracy515
In my humble opinion I think you are right . We watched mine for 7 years and it remained pretty stable. Doc actually said I could do scan once a year or twice…up to me. I chose twice so not to worry and lo and behold 6 months later it had grown an entire centimeter …..and in the next two months that it took to get me scheduled for surgery it had grown a bit more. I’m glad it was monitored so closely.

Hello and thank you for creating this space. I am newly diagnosed with a 4.6 cm dilation. Still learning all the words and what comes next. - SZ

I’m really glad you posted. A 4.6 cm dilation is a lot to take in, especially when all the terminology is new. I remember sitting there hearing numbers and phrases and feeling like I had stepped into a foreign language. You don’t have to learn it all at once. What matters right now is that you know about it. Knowing means you can monitor it, manage blood pressure carefully, and make thoughtful decisions with your doctors instead of being caught off guard.

At 4.6 cm, most people are in a watch-and-manage phase. That usually means regular imaging, tight blood pressure control, and being smart about heavy lifting or straining. It’s not typically an emergency number by itself, but it is important — and you’re doing exactly the right thing by paying attention early. I had a Type A dissection in 2015 and emergency open-heart surgery with a Dacron graft. What I can tell you from the other side of that experience is this: information is power. The people who know about their dilation and follow it closely are in a much stronger position than those who don’t. You’ve already taken the most important step.

You matter. Your questions matter. And there is a steady path forward from here. Peace.

@ktracy515
Hello.....I'm sure you know the size you describe didn't start at zero. I believe a "normal" ascending aorta can be around 3.4cm for a male your age. The size for concern and surgical intervention is 5-5.5cm, depending on the growth rate. There are criteria for intervention sooner, that is governed by growth rate and individual patient condition. Mine started around 3.8cm almost 8 years ago, and it is now at 4.5cm, probably primarily due to blood pressure issues, and afib. Early BP control is essential for long term growth control. Hope this gives you some more perspective. Best of luck with your treatment going forward!!

Hello all.
I am new here. I am 69 yrs young.
I was diagnosed with AAA in 2016 when the Dr. were trying to find a reason for my arrythmia- afib. couldn't find anything. At that time, it was 4.2cm. Has been growing very slowly. It has been at 4.5 for a couple of years. In Aug of last year, I took a tumble and fell on my chest, hit hard enough to displace my pacemaker slightly. In Oct. I asked my cardiologist about doing an echo to see if the fall had any effect on the aneurysm. I explained to her why I was requesting it. At first, she said I didn't need one until April of this year, but I was persistent. She finally consented to doing a "limited Echo". Result of that showed it had grown to 4.7cm. She then ordered a CTw/contrast to get a better look it. Had the CT scan first part of Dec., and it at 4,8cm.
Dr upped my metoprolol and re-ordered another CT for 3 months. She also told me to avoid strenuous activities. My repeat Ct is on this Wednesday, I'm anxious to find out where it is at now.
I have other health issues as well. Persistent Afib, low heart rate, sleep apnea and am way over wt. I take Flecainide 2xday for irregular hr, Metopolol for my blood pressure control, but it drops my Heart rate into upper 30-40, so the Electrophysiologist decided to finally implant a pacemaker to help control HR and irregular rhythm.
Sorry this got long.
I am trying to get in routine of exercise and eating healthier. I am hoping it was just the fall that caused the increase in size and it hasn't grown any more

Hi, I am a 40 year old female recently diagnosed with a 40-43mm thoracic ascending aortic aneurysm. I have family history (my father has the same type of aneurysm) and a variant of unknown significance but no definitive genetic cause identified. I am a runner and lifted fairly heavy until my incidental diagnosis. I am in the "watch and wait" phase and likely like everyone else who has been through this, have a lot of anxiety about what feels like a ticking time bomb in my chest. Thank you for having this group for support.

You’re going to be fine. You know now. I suddenly dissected in 2015 on a business trip 1600 miles from home. That’s a nightmare. You know what’s wrong and plan for a fix. That’s a gift. No planking, lifting, grunting or spiking your BP. Make friends with the best cardiothoracic surgeon you can in a high volume aorta care hospital. You can do this. I did and I found out when I hit the ground. That’s not what you’re facing. You know and you can make a really good plan for surgery. You’ve got this. Peace. (Me and my daughter on college visits two weeks ago at UCSD La Jolla—same hospital that saved my life in 2015)

@hollikal
Hello....I'm in a similar situation as you, 70 y.o. with afib, BP issues and an enlarged thoracic ascending aortic aneurysm...4.5cm from a recent scan. It's important to be your own best advocate with regard to doctors and medical help. Inform/educate yourself as much as possible about your health challenges, act on the recommended guidance, and insist on regular monitoring! Things may go well, and result in no growth, or at least slow growth. Find an aortic center near you where you can get some expert support. Too often, as evidenced by other stories you read here, cardiologists are uninformed, or under educated about aneurysms, but won't admit it. Find a Dr willing to monitor you regularly that is familiar with your problem. If you have the interest, look to the "Virtual Second Opinion" offered by Cleveland Clinic, which is in the top-tier of aortic centers in this country. Best of luck in your efforts going forward!! Knowledge is power, and may save your life!!

@ctflyr thanks for the information. I will check on that, but it will come down to what will be covered by my insurance- in- network.

@moonboy thanks. I am wondering if flying is ok to do right now. I am going to discuss with my cardiologist tomorrow when I see her. After I see her in the morning, the afternoon, I go have the CT/contrast done to check on the aneurysm.