Managing Anxiety with an Aneurysm

@lindy5285 yes I noticed that when I don’t have anything going in my life I get more stress and think more about it. So I learn to keep my self busy and thanks to my 13 yr old daughter I’m always busy.

Update on my aorta dilation I mentioned in an earlier post.

During a scan for another reason in Jan 2026, they found I had a dilated aortic root measuring approximately 41 x 49 x 45 mm at the sinuses of Valsalva.

Had initial vascular appointment in Feb at Mayo Rochester, where the provider suggested genetic testing. The genetic blood test came back negative. Had a follow-up appointment this week to discuss what happens next.

I had an echo in 2018, and there was no indication of dilation. Since then, I have been treated for breast cancer with radiation. I asked if that could have damaged the aorta, and he said possible, but rarely seen for the treatment of breast cancer. More likely if getting radiation for cancers located in the neck.

Also explained the difference between dilation and aneurysm, since I have seen both terms used. Aneurysm is used to describe the aorta being 1.5 times the normal size, and dilation is used for above-normal but below 1.5 times the normal size. Normal size varies for men and women.

My plan going forward is to recheck with my primary on BP medication. Currently on one med, BP under control, but he suggested another med might be a better choice, but going to let my primary adjust and monitor. My primary is also a Mayo provider.

The next step will be an echocardiogram in July, followed by a return visit to vascular. The echo will be 6 months after the CT scan, when it is first found. If there is no change in size, we will determine a monitor schedule. If the size has increased, then I will be referred to a cardiac surgeon for a consultation. Does not necessarily mean I will need surgery, but will get established with a surgeon and get information about if and when I may need surgery in the future.

I also have FDM, fibromuscular dysplasia, that was found in Jan CT scan. At the next appointment will discuss the future scan of those arteries. He is suggesting maybe once this year, and if no change, then again in a few years. If there's still no change, stop scanning unless I have symptoms.

It was a very informative appointment and left me less anxious than going in with fear of possible heart surgery. That may still be needed, but not immediately, and in my case no restrictions on activities.

Everyone's situation is different, but that was my experience. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

It's nice to hear from so many others in the same situation. I suppose when the doctors say don't worry about it we'll do another CT scan nest year, we are supposed to put it out of our minds or at least try.

Hi, my name is Debbie. I noticed this was wrote in June 2025. But I also have a TAA ascending thoracic aneurysm and I was just wondering how yours turned out. Mine is a 4.6 they don’t seem to be too worried about it yet they’re keeping an eye on it once a year. But I’ve changed my diet so much. It’s kind of wondering how yours is doing if you could write back.

@okie68
I am 81 y.o. and have an aortic aneurysm that is 4.8. My thoracic surgeon has told me not do exercises such as planking, stomach crunches and most surprisingly, squats. The squat exercises are without weights and similar to a chair squat but without the chair. The surgeon said it was movement going up from the squat that could cause my blood pressure to increase. What??? He would prefer I not go to gym, and just walking, but said a treadmill was OK.

@ewei6911 hi, look for several videos that have been posted in this forum regarding the subject. The problem with strength exercises (including crunches, planks, weight lifts, etc) is that depending on weight and level of effort most people tend to hold their breath while doing them, it is a natural reaction trying to maintain core stability. It is well known that during those moments BP rises significantly, it peaks really high and drops again immediately after the rep is completed. Those peaks in BP can be very dangerous for someone with vascular issues, especially aneurysms. Cardio exercises normally mainly raise your HR, so reasonable cardio is not only ok but recommended as you want to have your body in the best shape possible.

My aneurysm was repaired 6 years ago and I have gone back for full intensity workouts but have lowered my weights and also spent time learning how to properly breathe throughout every single rep, my mind is on my breathing discipline and even for moments I forget or get distracted and I find myself holding my breath unintentionally.

If you cannot find the videos let me know and I will send them to you

@houston13
If its not too much trouble, can you post the videos?
Have you gone back to doing planks? Before I stopped, I was doing between 45 seconds - 60 seconds. A thoracic surgeon said I would be able to do planks after recovering from any aneurysm surgery........but I have some hesitancy (i.e., fear!)

@ewei6911 sure here in the first one:

I do do planks, but I am very aware of my breathing, I also get checked every year with an Echo (as I have a bicuspid aortic valve that will require replacement at some point) and every ~4 years my cardiologist orders full aortic and neck MRIs to ensure no new aneurysms are appearing . The next video will follow

@ewei6911 here is the second one, this is a presentation by Dr Siddharth Prakash, a cardiologist who specializes in aortic diseases and is a recognized expert on the subject, he has done research about the effect of exercising and aneurysms, and he talks about it in the video:

@okie68 Hi Debbie, actually when I I did this post I was seeing a regular Cardiologist and he was the one that mention the size of the TAA. In July I actually saw a Cardiologist that specializes in Aorta Aneurysm which is was a year later of founding my results. I did all the test with the new Dr and he explain that the size of the mid -ascending aorta was a 4.0. He gave me a lot of information and really explained in detail. I will see him every year and I’m hoping it doesn’t grow. After that my anxiety went from 10 to 2. I’m still scared, take my Blood Pressure medication, control the cholesterol and sugar so I won’t get diabetes or need medication for cholesterol. I can’t control my stress which they tell you not to stress. So far I have been doing good keep my self busy so I won’t think about it. I will get check again I July and hopefully I will get good results.
Changing your diet is good and try not to think about it a lot. I know is hard because we technically a ticking bomb. But at least we are blessed that we know about our condition and we can monitor it. I’m here for you if you need to talk Take care and enjoy life