How did I get this?

There are many unknowns to your question but it is known that there are in some cases genetic factors, which probably had an influence in my case. There were several known cases of aneurysms on the same side of my family, brain (including myself I had both), carotid and aortic (in my case). It is also known that having a bicuspid aortic valve also makes you more vulnerable to having an aortic aneurysm, which is also my case so I had two strong factors. As you I have always been active, exercised regularly with relative intensity, marginal high BP but controlled, never smoked, never been overweight.

Outside of that it is very difficult to know why it happened to you.

The important thing is that you know you have it and can monitor and plan . A lot of people don’t get that opportunity.

My aortic aneurysm was repaired about 6 years ago, it was 5.2cm when found. Having lived a healthy life will be invaluable if you ever need surgery, being in good physical condition will take the surgery and recovery a lot easier.

Even though it is repaired my cardiologist does a full aortic scan (3hrs of MRA) every 4 years to ensure no new ones are appearing.

Keep taking care of your body, stay active and monitor your BP.

All the best

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I will try to chill and not worry so much. I will hopefully feel better after I speak with surgeon and get on their radar.

I am also 62 and was just diagnosised. I feel the same, no high BP, gentics or smoking. My mind is spinning with all the information. I have my first appointment with cardio in 2 weeks - and naturally have a ton of questions. I'm also trying to stay calm and trying to go about normal day to day functions.

@maggie31
Hi Maggie, spinning....don't I know what that is like. What is the size? I just had my echo and contrast ct yesterday. When you get that done, you will have more perspective. I would think your cardio will place the order for that after your visit. I have an appointment with a aortic surgeon on the 18th. That will also help to develop a monitoring plan. Hang in there. I will not tell you not to worry as that did not help me, just made me mad.😃
But the stress of the worry made me worry I was gonna make it worse. This group has been so helpful. We are all on this journey together.

@maggie31 you’re going to be fine. I dissected in 2015 and had absolutely no warning. Here I am talking to you 11 years later. I am 61 now and I was 50 when I dissected. You’re gonna be OK. The trick is you know that you’ve got a problem and how you can get help before you dissect. I have learned that none of us know how long we’re here but with this condition, you can fix it if you know about it in advance. That’s you! That’s something to celebrate. I know that it feels overwhelming, but I want you to know that I am alive and well after having suffered a massive in Arctic dissection that happened suddenly because I was not monitoring my blood pressure, my eating, my stress, or my exercise. You are going to make best friends with a cardiothoracic aortic specialist in a major metropolitan area near you and they are going to care for you. No heavy lifting. No grunting. No planking. Stop smoking. keep your blood pressure down. All of the things that are good for you anyway are what are going to help you. I’m not sure what the size of your aorta is right now, but if you’re at 5 cm or above you’re probably a candidate for surgery. Depending upon your gender and size that number can float a bit either side of that mark, but 5 cm is generally accepted. So just take a deep breath. You’re gonna be fine. If you need anything or you have any worries or anything to want to talk about with someone who survived a dissection, you email me directly, and I will respond as quick as I can. Peace.

@moonboy Thank you so much for your response. It does make it better that there are others out there to speak with. I have a new job interview coming up and I'm sitting here wondering if I should go for it..lol. Life will go on. The size is 4.7cm. I have my first cardiologist appointment in two weeks. BP is good, no smoking and I bike and hike when I can, hoping thats in my favor.
So appreciate info and offer.

@rachel95728 Yes, the stress of the worry is making more stress! My size is 4.7 from the echo. In 2 weeks I'll find out more info from the cardiologist and a CT scan is scheduled.
Finding this group has been very helpful. You hang in as well 🙂

68 years olds and detected abdominal aortic aneurysm 5 years ago. Get scanned every year or so. I an at a 3.5 right now and increasing very slowly. My two uncles had this and my mother also had this. All 3 need surgery. My mother burst.

I have only had ultra-sounds. what is the best test? (full aortic scan (3hrs of MRA) every 4 years) ?
Thank you.

@dalepatrick hi that’s my protocol (you probably read it up in the comments), but besides aorta, my cardiologist also does neck (carotid) and head (this last one only if my neurosurgeon hasn’t done one in a while). When you have a potential genetic propensity it can happen pretty much in any artery. Maybe my cardiologist is on the conservative side but he is also a recognized expert in aneurysms, aortic valves and genetics. I prefer the conservative approach over the alternative.

All the best

Aneurysms are just Nature's way of saying Slow🐌 Down now,
you're getting older 😆
Take more care of yourself !