Questions posted in the
Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
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Subject: Re: Thoracic aortic aneurysm I've just been diagnosed with a thoracic aneurysm in my descending aorta. It's 4 cm in size. This was diagnosed by CT scan after being found on x-ray. I'm 43 yrs old and in fairly decent health despite smoking and having asthma. I've been referred to a vascular surgeon but may have to wait awhile to be seen. Is surgery necessary with an aneurysm this size? Would it be dangerous to wait? Any help with info would be appreciated as I don't know what to expect. Thanks, Jan --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for your question. An aneurysm is a dilation of a blood vessel. They can occur anywhere in the body and are a result of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and high blood pressure. Smoking also contributes significantly. The areas where they can be dangerous are in the aorta. The risk is of an aneurysm is rupture resulting in sudden death. This risk increases as the size of the aneurysm increases. In general when the aneurysm is 4-6 cm an operation is indicated to repair the aneurysm. This is major surgery but is usually well tolerated. For those unable to undergo surgery new stents are being developed that can be placed in the aorta through a small hole in the leg. Medication may be used to help control the blood pressure before surgery. And of course quitting smoking is a must. Good luck to you. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
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