Aortic Ascending Aneurism - Share Growth Rate

“Sew my heart” not so

Mine discovered 3 years ago at 4.5. Monitored yearly. Has not changed.

@howudoin
The American Heart Association guidelines for women needing aortic aneurysm surgery is 5.0 cm. I don't know what their guideline is for men.

@niravani
My cardiologist tells me that an Echocardiogram does not get a full view of any aortic aneurysm and a CT scan is more accurate.

@ewei6911 I believe that’s correct. I had an Echo before my Scan and nothing was mentioned to me.

I have a bicuspid aortic value which was discovered when I was 70. At that time my aortic aneurism was 4.5 cm. It has not changed in the last 7 years. I take meds to control blood pressure including a beta blocker. I was and still am a very active cyclist and in the last year have cycled over 5000 km.

Hi, I am in exactly the same position at age 58, have recently been diagnosed with a thoracic aortic aneurysm with bicuspid valve now saying at 45 mm on recent MRI scan, it had been 47/48 on echocardiogram - but apparently I have been told that the MRI is more accurate. The NHS have been poor & I paid for a private appointment with a cardiologist who arranged for the MRI & prescribed bisoprolol 1.25 mg. I am due to see the NHS cardiologist in a couple of weeks and want to be prepared with my questions - if anyone can help me with these it would be very helpful.
What I would like to ask is that meds are you on? It sounds like you are doing absolutely great and may that continue.

On August 12, 2026, I began experiencing dizziness, a mild headache, difficulty with balance while walking, and elevated blood pressure. Because of these symptoms, I went to the Emergency Department at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital.

The doctors performed both a CT scan and an MRI. The CT scan revealed a basilar artery aneurysm, while the MRI showed no evidence of a stroke. This was encouraging news, as it meant the aneurysm had not ruptured and I had not suffered a stroke.

I was discharged with instructions to follow up with a vascular neurosurgeon and was referred to Dr. Robert A. Taylor. I met with Dr. Taylor on August 14, 2026. After reviewing my case, he recommended additional imaging studies to obtain more detailed pictures of the aneurysm and scheduled a follow-up appointment for August 24, 2026.

In the meantime, one of the most important things I can do is keep my blood pressure under control. Fortunately, my blood pressure has improved significantly, dropping from 179 at the emergency room to 122 this morning. I am hopeful that continued monitoring and the guidance of the specialists will help determine the best course of treatment. But we find another Dr Arnau Benet of Santa Barbara for a second opinion.
I am scared and overwhelmed,

@jerry5129 I understand your fears. Don't be afraid. Now you know you have a problem and you can fix it. I dissected suddenly in 2015 and barely survived. It is a very bad situation if you dissect. The good news is you know you've got a problem. I had absolutely no idea that I had a problem until I got hit with it. It is very fixable and very survivable. If you get a repair done before a dissection occurs. You've got a good plan and you're lowering your blood pressure. That's really good. That was my problem and continues to be 11 years later. Hypertension is a wicked thing, and if I had known that it could cause an ascending aortic dissection, I would've dealt with it years earlier. In any event, you're gonna be OK. It's a situation that you've got total control over and you've already done several of the right things that you need to do to adjust to this new reality for yourself. I wish that I knew that what I know now. You're gonna be fine. Listen to your doctors, follow their advice, and relax. Peace.

Thanks