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Ascending Aorta.....strange sensation in chest

Posted , 6 users are following.

joylee1952
joylee1952

I am new to this group. I am 62 and I have been diagnosed with a 4.2 aneurysm in the ascending aorta. It was found while in the hospital for a suspected heart attack. I do know that aneurysms run in my fathers side....one brother died of a ruptured abdominal aneurysm, one died with a brain aneurysm, grandfather died of a ruptured ascending aneurysm and my dad had the same. Of course, they won't do surgery till it reaches 5, but the stress of this is hard on me and my husband. We do know that I did not have the aneurysm two years ago, because I had all the tests done because of my heart rate rate drops into the thirties at times. I do have this sensation in my chest that I had mentioned to my doctor several months ago and I am now wondering if it is related to the growth of this thing. Periodically, I get this stretching sensation in the upper part of my chest...doesn't hurt, but it makes me feel like something is pulling. It lasts a few minutes and then stops...it does this a few times a day. I was just wondering if it was possible to feel the aneurysm growing?

 

2 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • brankif
    brankif joylee1952

    Posted

    I was 47 when my 8 cm ascending aneurysm was discovered. I never felt anything, but I guess everyone is different. Sorry I cant be much help. It must be worrying thinking that the aneurysm is growing.
  • joylee1952
    joylee1952

    Posted

    It makes me wonder....I never felt this until, maybe 3 months ago...I mentioned to my doctor...she didn't say anything....but, I can't help but wonder.

    An 8cm!!!!! Wow.....have you had surgery???

    • Pawstruck
      Pawstruck joylee1952

      Posted

      Sounds like your aneurysm may be symptomatic, and if that is the case it should be repaired.  Great article full of information if you google "Beating a Sudden Killer" (by John A Elefteriades - famous Aneurysm surgeon at Yale Aortic Center)  I am having surgery on a 4.3 ascending aortic aneurysm in 5 days due to the symptoms it is causing. One big thing I've learned through all of this--don't dismiss the little things and fight for your health and your life.  Take care, Jill
  • noreen19250
    noreen19250 joylee1952

    Posted

    I have a 4..4 ascending aortic aneurysm and lately I have a similar sensation in my chest except it's when I swallow mostly. I thought I pulled a muscle or strained my chest but it's not going away. You are making me wonder if it is the aneurysm stretching. I am small so I am not sure if it is going to grow too large before it ruptures. Can they rupture before 5?
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