Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

@laugsb1 PA's are great and fulfill a very important function, but in this case there are MDs or DO's (Cardiologists) that dedicate their focus on aortic diseases, aneurysms, aortic valves, etc they do research and interface with other specialists around the country to share knowledge and expertise. Sometimes they are part of cardiologist groups in medical centers or multidisciplinary aortic teams that include surgeons, etc. There's is big difference in their ability to answer questions, provide guidance and establishing the right follow up protocol vs generalist cardiologists. They may also suggest genetic testing to determine whether there is a family trait. What I tell everyone, you want the best surgeon (someone who has done thousands of these procedures). but the surgeon will stop seeing you after surgery, the cardiologist is for life, he/she will continue monitoring you after surgery, important to find a good one.

Good work losing weight!!!, continue on your path to fitness, it helps in all fronts, not only improves your body health, but also your mind, it helps with stress and anxiety, and in turn your BP.

Good luck to you!!!

I notice this group hasn’t had any comments in a few years, but I’ll post this anyway and hope for some feedback.
In May of 2025 my Apple Watch notified me it sensed AFib. I finally got to see a cardiologist in October 2025 and he ordered a battery of tests.
The echocardiogram picked up an ascending aortic aneurysm. There is also dilation of the aortic root.
In June of 2026 I had a CTscan to follow up on the aneurysm. Here is how the numbers look.
The ECG the size was 3.78cm, the CT six months later shows it at 4.24cm. I understand the echo is not an equal measurement, but at 3mm growth in six months should I be pressing my cardiologist for more feedback on the size?
I am currently on Eliquis for the AFib, a statin and BP pressure medication. The PA is great, very responsive, my cardiologist not much.
Thank you in advance for any advice.

@keith5150 unlikely the aneurysm grew by 3mm in such a short period of time, the CT is usually a more reliable measurement. The important thing now is to establish a true growth rate, your cardiologist should follow up periodically using the same measuring method every time and maybe using the first CT as the base (or he/she may decide to establish a new base).

So yes, you should be asking for a follow up protocol that will determine the above (you may need a new Cardiologist if the current one is not responsive, try to find one that is a specialist in aortic diseases). Hope that helps