hi thanks for your kind replies RE enlarged aorta 4.4 cm

[Poppilina123]

I’m terrified of the impact on my family if I suffer a dissected or ripped aorta which can apparently happen anytime. Does the risk decrease after elective surgery. Thankyou in advance for your kind replies/advice - I’d really like to hear your experiences as this is all new to me (3weeks) what a situation we have ourselves !

[Hanibil]

Hi had vascular aortic repair 2005 unfortunately it is now dilating above original repair and is at 5.1, Scans have been examined by a professor two cardiologists and a consultant. There advice is to keep an eye on it by way of Cat scans and when it gets nearer to 6 they will act. Hope this helps.

[RoyM]

Hi Poppi

My ascending Aorta is 4.9 cm. I am monitored with a CT scan and an Echocardiogram every twelve months. I have no symptoms at all but I am careful not to lift very heavy stuff and I monitor my blood pressure and try to keep it in the region of 120/70. I tend not to think about it much it has stayed the same size for about ,4 years now. I am very grateful I am monitored and should the Aorta increase in size to a level where surgery is required then I will deal with it then. Fretting about it doesn't help and life will pass you by. I am not reckless, I do accept I have a dilated Aorta but I refuse to let it define me. Try not to worry...it doesn't help getting stressed and you're being monitored. Take care. Roy

[Poppilina123 in reply to RoyM]

Hi Roy

Thanks for your solid advice - I’ve adopted a low salt diet and will not do any heavy lifting. I’ve quite alcohol as well. I’m not sure if I’ve gone too far with my lifestyle changes but it’s early days yet and once my blood pressure comes down I’m sure I’ll be able to ease up on myself a bit. It’s good you can block it out. I’m hoping to be able to do that a bit more as I get used to the idea. How old are you Roy. I wish you the best although it’s sounds like your doing very anyway.

Best regards

Paul

[RoyM in reply to Poppilina123]

Hi Paul. I am 77. Still swim, cycle, walk at least a couple of mile a day, tow our touring caravan all over the country and most importantly I can quite happily still chase my young granddaughter about. My dilated Aorta was picked up during a routine CT scan back in 2017. Try to look after your Aorta but not stress and be obsessive about it. Let the doctors quide you good luck. Roy

[Lexi72]

Hi Poppolina123, I agree with Roy. I don’t have any knowledge of the chance of the aortic root increasing in size again after the repair. I had thought that the repair fixed it. The good thing is that it has been identified and is being monitored Do try not to worry and live life to to the full with your family and stay fit (no weights) and healthy. And keep the blood pressure under control. The danger is that it takes over your life when you should be enjoying life with your family. I cancelled everything I planned to do initiallyand am now five years on from first diagnosis and my aorta and root are still stable. I still travel abroad on holiday , eat nice stuff in moderation and have just applied for a new job, The BHF helpline where you can talk to the BHF nurses was really helpful when I was first diagnosed . When you see a cardiologist they should take you through the cost benefit analysis of when is the appropriate time to have an operation Take care and best wishes

[Poppilina123 in reply to Lexi72]

Thanks Lexi

I appreciate the good advice you have gave. I have an average blood pressure of 130/90 and the specialist has advised beta blockers but when you read the possible side affects - that’s another worry altogether. Does everyone with an enlarged aorta take blood pressure tablets? I was hopi g to lower it myself with lifestyle and excercise - but the doctors said it’s the rate of increase in blood pressure which is a threat. Thanks in advance .

Paul

[Robfromwales]

I took BP lowering meds after 5.2 cm ascending aortic aneurysm found in 2002. I have a bi cuspid aortic valve which increases risk. I had it repaired in 2003 .

[Poppilina123 in reply to Robfromwales]

Thanks for your reply Rob - are you still on the Bp lower meds or was it just temporary

[Robfromwales in reply to Poppilina123]

Still on them although the need in relation to the anerysm has dissapited. But if not on them I would be stage 1 hypertensive which isn’t great for heart health.

[Robfromwales]

2001 sorry

[Lexi72]

I don’t know if everything is prescribed blood pressure meds it may depend on blood pressure level. I was prescribed losarton for blood pressure and biospropol for my ectopic beats - it calms the heart andalso reduces blood pressure but did not stop the ectopicsI have no side effects from either but some people on the site do have side effects . My blood pressure is typically between 130/115 over 60. It varies. I have an omron blood pressure monitor to keep an eye on my blood pressure at home. There is an app you can log the readings or you can record on a spreadsheet

[Cavkingcharlesdogs3]

hi

My husband was around about your age when he was found to have elevated BP and didn’t want to go on Beta blockers and tried life style changes for a few years (because of the side effects he’d read about) He didn’t get it down and after a few years went onto Beta blockers with excellent results and no side effects but they then found an aortic root dilation (he does have bicuspid valve and was born with coarctation so more prone to aneurysm) we will never know but in hindsight he thinks it would have been better to get his BP down much earlier. His cardiologist likes his BP to be under 135/80

Everyone is individual but sometimes reading all the side effects can put you off doing or taking anything sometimes you just need to try as you may get on with the medication fine and you can try different ones to get one that suits you.

My husband wraps himself in knots reading/googling everything.

He is due in hospital for Aortic root replacement surgery mid June. After yearly CT/MRI/TOE and his is now 6cms with no symptoms

We wish you well

[Tedthedog]

i have the same as you. A dilate aorta at 4.4 and years ago my mother died of the same but it was undiagnosed.. when I first found out i felt manic inside .. but nearly 2 years later I’ve got my head around it.. … But I’m on meds and have regular echocardiogram to check how it going (so far it hasn’t grown) and the meds are keeping my blood pressure down..I am under the Cardiac team.. So far so good .. At the moment I feel good, I go to happy hearts exercise classes.. After months of worry thinking every day is my last .. I decided that I was doing everything i could you help this situation and worrying was only raising my blood pressure and making me miserable.. so I would take everyday as it comes and try and enjoy it.. .. A first it felt fake but now it comes naturally and I feel a lot better and my family are happier too 😄

[Snoogs]

had an aortic root aneurysm (incidental finding) over 4 years ago now. Mine was large, closer to 6 cm. My valve is tri leaf (normal) and heart was all good as was blood pressure. Aortic root was replaced and my valve was spared (David V procedure). I would imagine they will monitor yours and not take action until it gets over 5cm or closer to 5 1/2. I know others with this condition who have been monitored for a dozen years or more unchanged