CCF and AAA

[ampdolly]

Hi

My first cousin died this year. He was 73. His death certificate stated Congestive Cardiac failure and Emphysema and Hypertension.

About six months before he had a successful repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm . Is this a dangerous operation on someone with CCF or would the CCF have started after the operation ?

[Tos92]

Hi ampdolly

I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of your cousin. Condolences to you and your family members.

Unfortunately, I don’t think these are questions anyone could answer on here. I have attached a link below from the NHS which also outlines the possible causes of an aortic abdominal aneurysm which you might find helpful.

nhs.uk/conditions/abdominal...

Any real concerns around his circumstances and conditions should be discussed with his GP.

All the best.

Tos

[ampdolly in reply to Tos92]

thankyou

[Cliff_G]

Ampdolly, firstly, sorry to hear about the loss of your cousin. My condolences to you.

Whilst I am not a doctor, I think it is unlikely that the AAA repair caused any problems back at the heart.

The abdominal aorta is quite well removed from the heart. Problems with the abdominal aorta usually manifest further on, at the blood vessels and organs supplied by the aorta, such as kidneys, legs.

The congestive heart failure and emphysema were probably related to each other and possibly to the high blood pressure too (all arising from the heart failure). They are long-term conditions which will have been there before any potential problems with the aortic surgery. I can't see that the CCF will have started after the surgery.

However, high blood pressure is a known risk factor for aortic aneurysms. Having had the aortic surgery will have much reduced his risk of having a ruptured abdominal aorta which unless caught immediately is usually quickly fatal.

If you want a proper professional opinion, this would involve getting both a cardiologist and a vascular surgeon familiar with the type of aortic surgery he had together, as there will be aspects which will need that inter-disciplinary consideration.

[ampdolly in reply to Cliff_G]

Thankyou

Yes it’s a lot to take in

Regards

Dolly