thoracic aortic dilation

[Timelord63]

I was diagnosed with a ‘borderline ‘ dilation of 3.5cm earlier this year having had an echocardiogram because of heart fluttering symptoms. I also await the results of a 72hr ECG. As things stand, a consultant has written to me and requested I repeat the echo after 3 years. Has anyone else experienced this? I am concerned that the test isn’t offered more frequently.

[Rosie1066]

3.5 is very small and sometimes that stay stable for many years. I have a 3.8 cm one which hasn’t grown since it was first found about 14 years ago. Mine is now monitored every year but only because I have other heart problems. They aren’t considered an Aneurysm till they reach 4.5 cm and not normally operated on till they reach 5.0 cm at least. When mine was first found I had no follow up on it for many years. Best is to keep your blood pressure low.

[Timelord63 in reply to Rosie1066]

Thank you. I hadn’t realised that these could stabilise for such long periods. The research I’ve done seems to focus on the rate of growth per year. I have purchased a blood pressure monitor on my GPs advice. Kind regards.

[Rosie1066 in reply to Timelord63]

yes, most important is to keep an eye on your blood pressure.

[2islandboy in reply to Rosie1066]

Hi, my Thoracic Aneurysm has been stable ar 4.3cm for 15 years. It's checked yearly. Low BP and WEIGHT LOSS are the best that you can do. I wish I had 3.5cm. My surgeon thinks that I may have had the Aneurysm for most of my life.

[Timelord63 in reply to 2islandboy]

Thanks. I’ve been much more sensible about what I eat and drink since being diagnosed. Had I not been referred for tests for potential AF, I wouldn’t have known about this. I guess there must be a lot of people not aware they have this condition.

[JulianM]

I was diagnosed with an enlarged ascending aorta when it was 4.5 to 4.6 cm; it is now 4.8 cm and seems to have been stable for the last 5 years; I'm checked on an annual basis and I would expect to be offered surgery if my aorta grew to 5.0 cm plus, although in some cases the surgical threshold could be as high as 5.5 cm.

As a rule of thumb, unless you are exceptionally small, a young child, have a family history of aortic disease, or have a previous high quality scan which was markedly smaller (implying rapid growth), 3.5 cm should not be any cause for concern.

On the other hand, if you were under 60 and a CT scan (which is more accurate for measurement than an echocardiogram) showed an aorta over 4.0 cm, or if you have close relatives who have had aortic dissections, then referral to a specialist, genetic testing, and annual scans would be appropriate.

In older adults, even 4.0 cm could be within the normal range and of no particular concern.

Hopefully, your echo report also describes the state of your aortic and other heart valves; if you have a bicuspid aortic valve, dilation might need slightly more careful monitoring.

Hope this is helpful.

[Timelord63 in reply to JulianM]

Yes, this is very helpful. Thank you for your detailed response which has provided some context for me as I had no previous knowledge of this condition. Much appreciated.

[Still_Breathing]

When mine was discovered it was 6.6 and considered to be in the sweet spot to be sorted. I was given 3 to 5 years.About 5 months later I had a mechanical aortic valve fitted and the ascending aorta repaired, I was 55 at the time.

[Timelord63 in reply to Still_Breathing]

Thank you. The advice I’ve received has been helpful and feel more able now to put things into perspective.

[Alf01]

I was diagnosed with a 3.5 dilation and had it rechecked after 2 years. It had remained the same so it will be checked again in 5 years.

[Timelord63 in reply to Alf01]

Thank you. It’s interesting to note how the monitoring intervals vary from person to person.

[Lexi72]

hi Timelord 63, my aortic root and upper arch are abour4.5 cm Mine is caused by a bicuspid valve (two leaves instead of 3 ) which is a congenital condition and have had it since birth. I was diagnosed at 57 (5 years ago) and it has been stable since. I think that often the aorta can grow at a constant rate but not always and sometimes remains stable which is why it is important that you are monitored. I am monitored every 6 or so months but that is because I have regurgitation as well so may need my valve fixed earlier. Good idea to watch the blood pressure: healthy lifestyle exercise etc but my advice would be to try not to worry and live life to the full, best wishes

[Timelord63 in reply to Lexi72]

Thanks. That’s reassuring. Having been fit and healthy for the first 65 years I was a bit shocked to learn I had a heart condition , but thanks to the feedback I’m receiving here I’m getting more comfortable with the idea now.

[Lexi72]

the good thing is that it has been diagnosed. I was completely asymptomatic so had no idea I had an heart condition and just had a medical check up (as it was free at work) which picked up a heart murmur. I was completely poleaxed after the diagnosis and missed out doing things as I was so worried. But have tried to seize the day now . It increases the insurance cost if you want to travel but as long as your condition is stable you can still get insurance it just costs more. Try not to spend too much time on dr google (as I did) best wishes