4cm ascending aorta aneurysm 53yrs

I was diagnosed with the same condition four years ago when I was 64. Like you, I was in such shock because I only went for an echo as I had been having some irregular beats. I think I overreacted at the time because I was a nurse and thought of the worst case outcome. I had a follow up CT scan and then an MRI. Both showed the aneurysm to be 4.1 whereas the echo had stated 4.6. I had six month tests for a year and then yearly. So far it has not grown but they have discovered that I have a bicuspid aortic valve which often goes with the condition. At the last echo, the senior technician thought that I probably will never need surgery as the valve seems to be coping fairly well. I have stopped worrying about it now because the anxiety was taking over my life and i suddenly realised that but for the test I would never have known anyway. However I am glad that it was found, because I get tested regularly and if it got worse action would be taken. I am a bit careful lifting things though, but that is probably because of my age! The cardiologist said that it is in the nature of aneurysms to grow but it could remain the same for years. I hope yours remains within limits and good luck.

I believe the CT scan is considered the most accurate. I had an MRI because I was getting some chest pain (found to be not connected) and through that they found the bicuspid valve. I am not on any medicines at all. My blood pressure is low anyway so not needed. My cholesterol is about 6 but nobody has suggested statins and I am happy with that. I agree about you being younger but neither of us know how long the aneurysm has been there and might have been there for years, but as you say your has more potential years to grow. I had a private appointment with a cardiologist and asked him lots of questions and it put my mind at rest a bit. I find when I do have an appointment with him it is very rushed so it was worth the money. I am in the UK by the way. It seems very different in the USA. Best wishes and try not to worry.

Hi Ana62

I had surgery 5/20/16 for a TAA repair. It was found 8 yrs ago, at that time 4.6. I changed my activities at the advice of my doctor, which I think prolonged the need for surgery. I am 56 yrs, no other health issues. I had an echo and maintain yearly and a CT scan every 6mos. It took 8yrs for it to start growing but once it started, it grew quickly. Like you, I was terrified when it was found. Couldn't understand where it came from. You are off to a good start by searching for information on the subject. It will be fine.

Hi ana62.

Have bicuspid valve and thoracic aneurysm also . I am 50. Was 48 when I was diagnosed with both. An unrelated infection caused a few missed beats which the doctor decided should be checked with an echo just because I was in hospital anyway. Like you it took a while to adjust to the fright of it all. I did go to the bother of trawling through old medical records and I found an echo which had been done when I was 31 that showed widening of 3.2 cms. Nobody used the word aneurysm or even mentioned it to me at the time. Pity because I wouldn't have taken up a job which required me to lift as much. Nonetheless I have stopped fussing over it and it hasn't grown anymore. I guess delivering and carrying 2 very large babies in my late 30s is when it may have grown last. I am hoping if I can hang out for a few more years they will have developed a stent to fix it without the requirement for open heart surgery like they have for the lower down ones, that would be good. My consultant tells me they are well on the way. The bicuspid bit is genetic it seems. I am only 5ft 2 which apparently is another risk factor for early rupture too. It will need surgery coming closer to 5cms. I am very well and keep fit in case I need it done. To be honest I don't think about it too much anymore. I need to live and I know it upset the whole household in the early days. Stay well and hope this helps.

The Heart Hospital, London, a branch of University College Hospital, is known to be one of the best in Europe. I recently had by-pass surgery there. I had been seen in a large local hospital and asked the consultant why the op could not be done there- she said, tactfully, "it would be in your best interests to go to the Heart Hosp.". I only found out it's reputation much later.