Ascending Aortic Aneurysm & Stage 1 Diastolic Dysfunction

Posted by anniejam @anniejam, Jun 19, 2019

I just had an echo done and the aneurysm seems stable. Why can't a stent be put into it instead of open heart surgery? Also what is this stage one about?Thanks! ann

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anniejam | @anniejam | Jun 19, 2019

Also I was told the biggest risk of open heart surgery is stroke? True? What is the %?

tj1778 | @tj1778 | Aug 3, 2019

Hi, I’ve had the same results and will meet with dr on Wednesday. How large was your dialation? tj1778

anniejam | @anniejam | Aug 3, 2019

The largest measurement has been 4.1 cm. It varies. Thanks!

tj1778 | @tj1778 | Aug 4, 2019

In reply to @anniejam "The largest measurement has been 4.1 cm. It varies. Thanks!" + (show)

Hi
My largest dilation is 4.2. Should I be worried? This dilation is in the vegus.
So happy to have someone to connect with! Teresa

anniejam | @anniejam | Aug 4, 2019

Wait to worry. It doesn't change anything. Easy to say. Mine is called ascending aortic aneurysm or dialation. Nothing will be done to mine until I reach 5 cm.

Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Aug 5, 2019

Hi @tj1778 and @anniejam,

Ascending aortic aneurysms (or dilated ascending aorta) are a type of thoracic aortic aneurysms or aneurysms that occur in the chest area above the diaphragm. They are the second most common type of aortic aneurysms.
Doctors usually treat small aneurysms with beta-blockers, but if the aneurysm is large or growing rapidly, it will require surgery. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350193

Diastolic dysfunction means that your heart may not be relaxing enough between beats, which limits the amount of blood the ventricles can collect, and the heart has to work harder. The mildest form is called an "abnormal relaxation pattern", or grade I diastolic dysfunction. https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/cardiovascular-diseases/news/heart-failure-with-preserved-ejection-fraction-hfpef-more-than-diastolic-dysfunction/mac-20430055

I’d like to bring in other members who may have experiences to share. Please meet @degarden_girl @laverne @crhp194 @rory @morninglory @jend @thegoodwife @thankful @ch246cf10 @debbydiane @janet26 @Drew944 @twocents @prward

It may also be helpful to check out this information from the American Academy of Cardiology: https://www.cardiosmart.org/Heart-Conditions/Aortic-Aneurysm/Questions-to-Ask-Your-Doctor

crhp194 | @crhp194 | Aug 5, 2019

If you have questions, I would be happy to try to answer them. I had an aneurysm bigger than 5cm. At that size, surgery is indicated. At the age of 72, I had open heart surgery to repair the aneurysm at Mayo. I really got along fine after the surgery and was back to feeling very good within 2 weeks. Then I did rehab starting after 4 weeks and have had no problems. At the time of the surgery I also had giant cell arthritis which was treated with prednisone and an anti- inflammatory. All has gone well. Best to you, Carol

anniejam | @anniejam | Aug 6, 2019

Thank you! That is very encouraging!

ginko | @ginko | Aug 7, 2019

Dear Carol,
May I ask who did your surgery and how long ago that was? Your story is very encouraging. Thank you for that.
Deby

crhp194 | @crhp194 | Aug 7, 2019

In reply to @ginko "Dear Carol, May I ask who did your surgery and how long ago that was? Your..." + (show)

My surgery was done by Dr Pochettino at Mayo in May of 2016. As I have said, I got along well. Surprisingly, the pain was easily tolerable and for me, it was the drains afterword that gave me discomfort but they come out after 5-8 days. Good luck, Deby!
Carol