@laverne

“Incidentental finding ” of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66 . My Doctor plans f/u CT in March, started me on a 3rd blood pressure pill and cholesterol med to gain better control, told to continue treadmill and free weights at the gym I joined before the diagnosis and said life as usual. Why am I still panicky?? Can this be right?

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I’m in a panic mode right now. I had an edco done two months ago every thing was fine with my heart. But i seen it said enlarged ascending aorta at 3.7?So i ask for a CTA of the chest it came back normal every was fine and my
ascending was 3.3 negative no aneurysm was found. I was wondering which one to
believe is the ct more accurate. Just try she has some one went threw the same thing

@estanley2008

Hi this is my 1st post. I a 45 year old female. Not over weight but I smoke. After having what feels like muscle tearing and dizziness I went to the er a month ago. I was told I had a 3.2 dilation ascending aorta and to follow up with a doctor. The er called umc who said they would not even see me at that size, even with symptoms. The pain comes in goes. My primary did a new cta Friday it said it is 3.4. They gave me the number to the doctors at USA in mobile. I also am calling mayo I’m the morning.
It seems small but, I can hear my heart beat in my shoulder and I have a history of brain aneurysms. What doctors do I need to see at the mayo hospital? I’m so full of anxiety now.
What should I ask for and who should I see? I wanted to add I now have a appointment Thursday to see a surgeon at USA in mobile.
Thank you all for listening any advice would be helpful!!

Ps- this has went on for months. They have ran so many test on me and they all came back good till last month. I had a heart ultrasound 3 months ago that was fine.. I told them something was wrong.

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I glad you share your information. I don’t know what’s going on I myself was told i Have a ascending aorta was 3.3 from a ct scan with contrast. And it was negative with no aneurysm or other finding. But I had a echo done before then saying it was 3.7. I’m so confused. Just wanted to know how you are dealing with this. I will be seeing a cardiologist doctor to tell me more about this

@latrisha @rory The measurements for the CT scan of the aorta and the echocardiogram of the aorta are not done the same way. One is measured on the bias and the other is measured straight across. So you can't compare the two measurements from different tests as they won't be identical. I believe the CT scan is the more accurate test but it carries a lot of radiation. Most cardios will follow an aneurysm through echocardiograms which have no radiation. Rory, I am guessing your cardio is suggesting an echo in 6 months so he/she can determine the stability of the aneurysm. Latrisha, it looks like you got very good news and may not have an aneurysm at all.

@maryswims

What a leaky ol’ Boat we’re in! But you know, keep on living and enjoying, we will be ok!

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I just found out my favorite local musician is going in for open-heart on an AA. And his friend, on Facebook mentioned that he had just had the surgery too. So I started messaging that friend and found out that they discovered his because he had a heart murmur. It was immediately scanned and scanned again so six months later and they decided they needed emergency operation for him because it grew so fast !They told him that he would not live six months more with it! But he is very lucky they discovered him at the point he was already at! And he’s fine now, better than ever. He did mention something about ask the doctor if you can “preserve the aorta”:By that he means keep your old aorta and not replace with a pig tissue. Apparently those grafts have to be replaced in 18 years.

And I believe having the aortic valve replaced means being on a blood thinner for the rest of one's life so yes, preserve the aortic valve if at all possible. Being on a blood thinner just makes life all the more complicated.

@degarden_girl

And I believe having the aortic valve replaced means being on a blood thinner for the rest of one's life so yes, preserve the aortic valve if at all possible. Being on a blood thinner just makes life all the more complicated.

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Hello @degarden_girl

It is my understanding that blood thinners are only required if a mechanical valve is used. If an animal valve is used (most likely a pig valve) blood thinners are not typically needed. However, each person's situation might be different. The cardiologist doing the surgery would be the one to make that decision.

@hopeful33250

Hello @degarden_girl

It is my understanding that blood thinners are only required if a mechanical valve is used. If an animal valve is used (most likely a pig valve) blood thinners are not typically needed. However, each person's situation might be different. The cardiologist doing the surgery would be the one to make that decision.

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@hopeful33250 Oh, that is good news! My aortic valve is "floppy" and I suspect, if I need surgical repair of the aneurysm, the valve will be replaced at the same time. I am happy to know that such repair may not necessarily require a regimen of blood thinners afterwards. This "aging business" is not easy.

@degarden_girl

@hopeful33250 Oh, that is good news! My aortic valve is "floppy" and I suspect, if I need surgical repair of the aneurysm, the valve will be replaced at the same time. I am happy to know that such repair may not necessarily require a regimen of blood thinners afterwards. This "aging business" is not easy.

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I’ll say aging is surely an adjustment! I still hold out hope that my aneurism at the root will remain stable.

@degarden_girl

@hopeful33250 Oh, that is good news! My aortic valve is "floppy" and I suspect, if I need surgical repair of the aneurysm, the valve will be replaced at the same time. I am happy to know that such repair may not necessarily require a regimen of blood thinners afterwards. This "aging business" is not easy.

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Yes, I have a "floppy" valve as well @degarden_girl. I understand what you mean. I'm trying to keep all of my original parts, but that might not be possible for much longer! Wishing you well. Please post any updates to your situation.

@hopeful33250

Yes, I have a "floppy" valve as well @degarden_girl. I understand what you mean. I'm trying to keep all of my original parts, but that might not be possible for much longer! Wishing you well. Please post any updates to your situation.

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@hopeful33250 I wish you well with that floppy valve and aneurysm. But aren't we fortunate that there are surgical interventions with a proven success rate so although it isn't what we prefer, it sure is better than the alternative.

“Incidentental finding ” of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66 . My Doctor plans f/u CT in March, started me on a 3rd blood pressure pill and cholesterol med to gain better control, told to continue treadmill and free weights at the gym I joined before the diagnosis and said life as usual. Why am I still panicky?? Can this be right?

I’m a female age 46 very overweight I’m trying to loose weight. I’m so scare of this finding. I can’t sleep or eat. I’m afraid it’s going grow bigger. I was told to watch my blood pressure and to lose weight. All i can think about is my kids. I’m so scare. I have been reading a lot. About this. I don’t know how i have this. My blood pressure don’t really run that high. I had an echo don’t it cane back normal every thing was fine. I found this on the other page where the finding was and they never meant it. Please someone talk to me about this

I am a runner and work out every day. I eat right and in good shape. I just found out I have a 4.0 cm ascending aorta. I found out by accident through a CT scan for something else and then had an echo and confirmed this. I am a single mom and only 45 and scared to death of how this will shorten and change my
life . Any feedback would be great.

I am a 68 year old woman diagnosed with a 4.2 ascending aortic aneurysm. I plan to make an appointment at the Mayo Clinic . I am wondering if I should request a certain doctor.

Eleven years ago 59 cm of my aorta was replaced. I lost a kidney, have a huge diaphragmatic hernia, COPD, minor things—I’m still here! But now I have a 5.3 cm aneurysm in my heart. And I’m not a candidate for surgery.
Does anyone out there have this condition?