Ascending thoracic aneurysm: What should I do and not do?

Everyone is giving you the best info, I would only add that you need to find the best thoracic surgeon accessible to you, someone who has done hundreds of repairs in a major medical facility. Also a cardiologist who specializes in aortic diseases, not all of them do and it makes a big difference. Get evaluated by both and follow all their instructions. Ask all the questions you may have.

I had a 5.2cm ascending aortic aneurysm repaired 5 years ago, I was 54 years old. Mine was found while having leg surgery from a bike accident. My surgery was “planned “ as it wasn’t a dissection, and having a very experienced team made everything go very smoothly.

Keep your body healthy, stay active but avoid exerting per @moonboy’s recommendations. You want your body at its best in case you ever need surgery.

You know you have it and can monitor and plan, not everyone gets that opportunity, you will be fine.

All the best and keep informing yourself

Thanks for sharing your story. I’m no doctor, but I have been through an aortic dissection before, but mine was closer to 6cm when it ruptured. Biggest things are keeping blood pressure down, eating healthy with low sodium and low cholesterol, and staying active, even if it’s something light like a walk. Don’t be scared! Modern medicine is amazing, and just keep in touch with your care team and ask any questions you may have. ❤️

Hi there. First, take a deep breath—you’re going to be okay. I was in your shoes back in 2015 when I had an emergency Type A dissection. I survived, had open-heart surgery, and I’m still here living a full, active life more than 10 years later. So let me help walk you through this.

A 48 mm ascending aortic aneurysm definitely gets your attention. You’re not imagining things—this is serious, but it’s not a medical emergency today. Most surgeons consider surgical repair when the diameter hits around 50–55 mm, depending on your individual risk factors (like connective tissue disease, family history of dissection, bicuspid valve, etc.). At 48 mm, you're in what I call the watch zone—close monitoring is key.

As for medication, the answer is usually yes. Most patients with an ascending aneurysm are started on beta blockers like metoprolol to help slow the heart rate and reduce blood pressure, which lessens stress on the aortic wall. If your blood pressure is still high, an ARB like losartan might be added too. These meds can’t shrink the aneurysm, but they can help slow its growth and reduce risk of dissection.

In the meantime:
1. No heavy lifting—nothing that makes you strain or hold your breath (Valsalva).
2. No intense pushing or pulling (like snowblowing, weightlifting, etc.).
3. No sudden spikes in blood pressure—try to avoid extreme stress, stimulants, and overexertion.
4. Stay well hydrated, especially in the summer. Dehydration increases strain on the vascular system.
5. Avoid deep twists or yoga poses that compress the chest or force prolonged breath holds.
6. Get a copy of your CT or echo—and ask your doctor for your exact measurements and how they’re monitoring growth.

You’re not alone in this. I know this feels overwhelming, especially waiting for more information. But knowing about it now is a gift. It means you can manage it, monitor it, and act early if needed. You’re already doing the right thing by reaching out and asking questions. You’re informed, you’re proactive—and that’s the best place to be. Peace.

Hello and regards. I was just diagnosed with a 48 mm ascending aortic aneurysm. Not sure what to do waiting for my Doctor to contact me. I am 60 years old. Is there medication that I can take ? Any other suggestions for me? Kind of freaked out about this.

After going through this with my husband I would say you are fortunate to know now. It may help your aneurysm from ever getting to the point where surgery is needed.
Be certain to get yearly CT angiograms or maybe echograms (which are less precise) to monitor size; don’t do heavy lifting - below 30 lbs might be a good standard; keep your blood pressure below 120/80.

On Ct scan by accident. I do have concerns ince Ihave a high calcium score 1200

I’m curious when and where you are scheduled for surgery. I also have an aneurysm in my sinus of valsalva and it measures 4.8 which was discovered last year. I’m scheduled for another CT scan at the end of this month and meeting with a surgeon at Cleveland Clinic.

@cobweb Do you mind sharing your measurement? I like the reco to stop watching the news. I am 70 and at 5.0 cm with no growth in 3 years. My surgeon is pushing me for surgery while I am healthy (low bp, no smoking, min drinking, good weight, etc). The cardiologists are leaning to avoiding surgery and monitoring every 6 months with MRIs as open heart surgery comes with risks. Thank you in advance.@eosow

I would make a call to your doctor to see if it's ok

Can I or should I continue to donate blood even though I just found out I have a thoracic aorta ascending aneurysm at 4.1 cm. It’s stayed the same since last check a year ago. I’m 41