Dilated Aorta

[Pangbourne]

I am 85 years old and 2 years ago had a heart attack and had a stent fitted I also had a electrocardiogram that showed I had a dilated ascending aorta at 3.7 cm. and it was nothing to worry about.

Last wek I had a further 2 year check up and was advised my dilated ascending aorta was now 4cm and was also advised that my left ventical was normal with a systolic function EF 55-60%. with a follow up in 12 months time.whist I am pretty fit for my age and play bowls regulary I cannot help but lay awake at night wondering what is going on and should I be worried has anybody else had the same problem

[PadThaiNoodles]

Generally they don't worry until 5cm (or 4.5cm if other risk factors are present).

Your EF is excellent (you want it between 50% and 70%).

Do follow up in 12 months time, but I don't think you've got anything to worry about in the meantime.

[Pangbourne in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

Thank you that is most reassuring

[mjames1]

I'm at 3.5 but seven years younger and told not to worry.

One formula is D(mm) = 31 + 0.16*age so if my math is correct your upper limit is 46.6 mm or 4.66 cm. As you can see, you've got quite a ways to go..

My only instructions were to follow up every year with Imaging and not to do heavy chest exercises like high weight bench pressing. And of course keep blood pressure and control.

Jim

[Pangbourne in reply to mjames1]

Thank you Jim might get some sleep tonight

[Still_Breathing in reply to mjames1]

Interesting formula, when I was 55 I was told I was in the sweet spot for surgery at 6.6cm , I had the surgery about 5 months after this. I was also told I had about 3 to 5 years if I did nothing.

[Caledonia1944]

I am 80 years old and diagnosed with 4.3 cm at the root and a smaller one 3.4 ascending. Dr says don’t worry! I am on medication to control growth.

[Dogsaremybestfriend]

Hello, also been diagnosed with a dialated aorta. My cardiologist is not concerned as the dialating has not changed in 2 years. I also get checked once a year. I'm quite a bit younger so I'm glad to see the responses here with the normal values and formula. Thank you for posting! This has been quite helpful. I wish you a good nights sleep!

[Tonypredarmy]

Worrying is natural and easy to say for others for you to not, but based on your growth rate and size I wouldn't be too concerned (although I'm no Doctor).

I'm 59 and my Ascending Aorta is 5cm (was 4.8cm last year). They will continue to monitor me and planned intervention is usually around 5.5cm for males, so at my current rate of growth I'm expecting that I will need to be treated in 2.5 years.

Try to not to worry as this will not help and avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise. Controlling blood pressure is important.

Good luck and the best of health.