Aortic Root Aneurysm

I was recently diagnosed with a 4.5 cm Aortic Root Aneurysm by a Vascular Surgeon from St. Louis Univ Med Cntr. Evidently I've had this since '06 and didn't know it. He said they were just going to watch it for now and check it every six months. He also said that something else would probably take me out before I have to have this repaired. I'm 60 yrs old now. Do you think what he said is accurate or is he just pulling my leg? I guess I should also mention that I get my health care from the VA. The surgeon is not employed by the VA but they contract him out for surgeries. He told me that for something like this they would probably send me to Cleveland.


This discussion is related to Thoractic Aortic aneurysm.

[Jillmgk]

My father is 66 yrs old and has had an aortic root aeurysm for at least 13 yrs.  It measures 5.4, right on the cusp for needing immediate surgery, but he has opted not to have the repair so far.  In all the time since it was discovered, it has not changed.  He is restricted in his lifting, and takes a beta blocker to lessen the stress on it, but thats it.