How are you managing blood pressure with aortic aneurysm?

I am 66 years old and have survived bladder and kidney cancer since 2019. Kidney removal and TURBT. About a year ago was found to have a 4.2 cm AAA that has grown to 4.6. Now I am laser focused on keeping my BP in a healthy range. My meds are max dose of lisinopril 40mg twice a day (80mg total) and 10mg of Amlodopine daily. I’ve been on max dose of lisinopril for over 20 years. I’ve recently quit drinking which is making my BP easier to control. I am 229 pounds 6’1” tall. I walk daily since I ripped up my shoulder which has kept me off my rowing machine. I’ve led a life with a fair amount of stress being in businesses all my life and have spent a good amount of time being pissed off. My father died of a heart attack at 67 yo which I am turning next March. I’ve recently changed cardiologists as my first one was the unconcerned type that didn’t listen to me. My new cardiologist is 100% better but after the initial visit I’ve never seen him. Only deal with his assistant now. I feel like the max dose of lisinopril should be addressed and maybe switched to something that wouldn’t be at max dose. I am afraid of dissection living far away from the nearest hospital which would take an ambulance a round trip of an hour to get me to the hospital. I’ve survived two cancers and I’m still living a good life but this ascending aortic aneurysm has got me living in some fear. I know that my BP would be normal if I lost 30 pounds. I wonder if it would be safe to get on a weight loss drug to speed up the process and get my numbers better.

@crazybernie Hello.....from what you've written, it sounds like you're heading in a good direction, focusing on lifestyle changes, improving your physical health, and trying to improve those aspects that you can change. Given your motivation, it may be good to have a discussion with your cardiologist, or via his assistant indirectly, on what modifications can be made to your medications, as well as a more consistent monitoring of your aneurysm at regular intervals. Considering the growth rate you've described, it's surprising that your cardiologist hasn't suggested closer monitoring at least with 6 month echocardiograms. Growth rate is a governing factor for possible surgery. The size you mention is still below what is normally considered for surgery....5-5.5cm. Keep up the good work you've started, and realize that you're doing many things that will help to manage this and let you reduce the stress you're experiencing. Understand too that your condition isn't dire and is manageable. Many who post here have successfully managed to live a good life even with the aneurysm(s) that influence their choices. Good luck on the road ahead!!

I am 62 years old and had open heart surgery to have a mechanical valve replacement 15 years ago. My cardiologist gave me the wonderful news that I now have an aortic aneurysm of 4.5cm. He told me he will monitor yearly and that I should be ok since I now seem to have my BP under control. I've been using app "MyDashDiet" to keep track of my sodium intake for about 3 months now. I am getting better at staying within my daily sodium limits and have found out fast foods are pretty much out of the question. Anyone else have to do this?

@asantoya12, welcome. I moved your question about managing blood pressure with an aortic aneurysm to this related discussion to help you connect with others:
- How are you managing blood pressure with aortic aneurysm?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/blood-pressure-with-aortic-aneurysm/

Good for you for reducing your sodium intake. Adding a physical activity you enjoy might also be advised. Did you talk to your doctor about other things you can do to manage your blood pressure?