Ascending Aortic Dilation - Ascending Aortic Aneurysm

I was painting my fence when I feel a pain deeply in my heart and my neighbor call 911 I have to go by helicopter from one hospital to mass general in Boston ,Ma . I did not know that my aort was tear and I have aneurysms. No symptoms . Took me 6 months to get better. With help of nurses I lost too much weight and muscles .

I was one month in the hospital . Now I am feeling better no lifting weight . I can walk and do light exercises.

Once a year cta scan ti see if my aneurysms are ok .

Good luck everybody and take care yourself to live a little longer.

Thanks

How big was the dilatation?

Not sure but think over 5

The expert aortic disease group met last September (2022). They are now recommending that ascending aortic aneurysms that are 5 cm or larger be repaired -but only at centers that have expert staffs with lots of experience and supporting staff. Before the standard was 5.5 cm.

I pray every night so next day when I wake up I say thanks god that I am alive

When I was diagnosed I was told the standard was 5cm for an aneurysm. Mine was 4 and a year later while waiting for an annual check up (2 months overdue) I had an emergency aortic dissection - I was life flighted to Mayo. My aneurysm measured 4.5. I had no symptoms, no other conditions, no heart problems, no medications if any kind. I would be careful about any number you are given. Make sure you are monitored!! And closely.

I believe that the reason that the "bar" was reduced to 5.0 was that 60 percent of patients whose aneurysms tore or burst were less than 5.0 cm.
You are right about the need to be monitored closely. Also life style issues need to be adhered to.
My husband (unbeknownst to us) had an aneurysm in 2007 that measured at 4.3 cm. In January 2021, we learned about his aneurysm, which measured 4.8cm. In October 2022, it still measured 4.8 cm. We had returned to Mayo(1400 miles one way) three times during 2021 just to make sure it was stable.

Question: Has anyone with an increasing ascending aneurysm tried any supplements for connective tissue, like simple collagen? If so, are there any research resources out there to validate this? Mine is growing and I have no risk factors for aneurysm. I do have endothelial dysfunction which is being treated. My aortic root has increased to 44, which is 2 cm in two years. I am an active 66 y/o female and want to remain active. I am hoping to slow it down. Thank you for any insight!

I am replying to my own message. My measurements were actually .02 CM per year. Sorry. But the aorta was not measured last year. I believe when the ascending aortic root measures 4.5 cm the rate of growth actually increases.... statistically. I am sure those numbers are not magical, so the monitoring is crucial. Hopefully mine will get monitored every 6 months going forward, so we can make informed decisions.