Hi I have just had and diagnosis of 4.4 cm aorta and a tri valve regurgitation - I have quite alcohol immediately and am trying to get to grips with a healthier lifestyle - we eat out a lot and I’m not always j sure of the salt content. I have been researching the best way to lower (slightly raised) blood pressure naturally but am about to start beta blockers to help.
Does anyone have solid dietary advise for best drinks, food and excercise - really worried incase it / when it grows as I am 54 and hoping to stick around for a while! My wife is a vegetarian - which helps but I have had a lifetime of eating and drinking whatever and whenever so this is brand new to me. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Written by
Poppilina123
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I got a diagnosis of a 4cm ascending aortic aneurysm. Picked up on an unrelated kidney scan. I was told to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. They also increased my Ramipril for blood pressure because it has to be as low as possible. Easier said than done when you’re terrified! I personally would avoid all processed food and red meat. We don’t add salt to anything. Lots of fresh fruit and veg. Lots of walking in the countryside is what we done with our dog. I have eaten no meat for three years now. My cardiologist said I was doing all I could to limit its growth but I will find out in Feb when I have another scan.
Thankyou for your reply - yes it’s a new journey - I’ve been on fruit / veg / chicken/ pasta/ unsalted rice / whole meal bread and shredded wheat since I found out 2 weeks ago, I’m pretty terrified of trying things now u til I have googled them. I have limited my de caf tea intake as I since found out it still has caffeine in it. ! Blimey all of life’s little pleasures taken away after a quick chat with a doctor! I wish you well for February - I have a follow up in 6 months 🤞
That’s good 6 months. The scan I have in Feb will be to check for reoccurrence of kidney scan. That’s where this aneurysm was picked up. I don’t have an actual scan for two years. It will be an MRI. She obviously doesn’t think it will change much but I wish it was sooner. Keep healthy your doing a great job with your changes !
When mine was found it was 6.6, the consultant said it has nothing to do with your lifestyle choices it is genetic and a change in your lifestyle will not help , the only fix is surgery which I had about 5 months after.
I believe the drastic change to your lifestyle, unless you're overweight, won't make much difference to your problem, if any! You will need surgery eventually. You need to keep "life's little pleasures", they're the reason for living!
porridge (as per Michael Mosley. I have also gone generation z (am 63)now eat avocado and blueberries. Fresh fruit and veg. I draw the line at beetroot. Would check with the doctor about what exercise you can do. I can do anything in terms of exercise apart from weights and HIT. The doctor is keen on cardio including running . I also really like yoga and Pilates which I had never tried before my diagnosis my aortic root is 4.5 and is stable and has been for 5 years . Important to be monitored control your blood pressure and have fun best wishes
Thats really useful Thankyou and good luck. I’m hoping I get used to the idea so it doesn’t dominate my day so much as it does now - but suppose going through change of lifestyle and educating myself on diet will take a while. Do you eat meat, I’m trying to focus on chicken and fish as part of a healthy fruit and veg diet but still seems a minefield
yes I still eat meat and cake and other nice things but just in moderation. I have cut the booze down to a couple of days a week and reduced the quantity . I would just try and be a bit more healthy. If you try too hard you may give up so it may be counterproductive best wishes
Thanks - I think I’m still in ‘knee jerk reaction stage ‘ as I seem to have given up everything - hopefully I’ll come to my senses when I get used to the idea.
hello poppilina i could help with healthy eating and things like that but i dont know how thru here but you sould talk to your GP about SN secons nature its a program thru the NHS its supost to be to help prevent diavites 2 but at the same time helps you to learn to eat healthily
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Ruptured Aorta 
Enlarged aorta
Cardiologist echo results aorta 5.1 
Bicuspid aortic valve and enlarged ascending aorta. 
