THORACIC ANEURYSM

I am a 43 year old, young female who was diagnosed with an
ascending aortic aneurysm several years ago.  I do not smoke,
have always been physically active and have no symptoms of heart disease. Once a year, I have a Cat Scan of the Chest and the aneurysm seems to remain the same at 4.6 centimeters.  Although I no longer engage in jogging as a form of exercise, I enjoy long walks.  However, after such activity, I often experience a severe headache, a heavy sensation of pressure in my chest, a strong, pulsating sensation just slightly to the right of my sternum and upper back pain.  It is very uncomfortable. I have been prescribed a beta blocker, Toprol XL 50 mg., in addition to nitrostat 0.4 mg. but neither seem to really alleviate my sudden onset of discomfort after exertion.  As a young person, this aneurysm is beginning to really interfere with my active lifestyle. Do I need surgical intervention or must I continue to live in discomfort until my aneurysm increases in size as local heart surgeons at nearby St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica, New York have told me?  Thank you for any advice you can offer
to me.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

Usually, an uncomplicated aneurysm of this size does not cause such symptoms or require surgical correcction. The fact that the aneurysm has not grown over several years is also an encouraging sign. Perhaps a repeat cardiology evaluation taking into consideration other possible causes of chest discomfort would be worthwhile.

[Mis]

I dont mean to scare you by any means but I would definitely have another oponion. I had a grandfather that died of an aortic anuersym. I realize he was much older but honestly I dont think its somthing to play around with. He also had back pain like you are describing. For you own safety I would go see another physician. GOOD LUCK and Take care!!!!!

[cardiac sonographer]

I don't want to scare you either but an aneurysm can tear at any time.  The wealls are getting weaker and weaker I think you should get another opinion too.

[Todd Williams]

At age 33, I was diagnosed with an asc. aorta aneurysm and aortic regurgitation.  My aneurysm was 5.0 to 5.9 cm.  For males at least 5.5 to 6.0 is the numbers I heard kicked around as when surgery was needed - for females it may be slightly lower.  Some surgeons that do valve sparing procedures are saying that somewhat earlier intervention (5.0 cm) may be warranted to spare the native valve.  I would also get a second opinion and do some research at http://www.ctsnetjournals.org/ (search David, TE).  In my opinion, valve sparing procedures have many benefits to replacement options.  Valve sparing is best done somewhat early so that the valve leaflets remain normal.  I'm not saying that your at that point yet.  When you do get to the point of needing surgery, consider valve sparing - it was not even given to me as an option by the first two surgeons that I saw.  Also, if considering valve sparing, choose a surgeon who has alot of experience - I went to Canada (Toronto) to Dr. Tirone David - He is certainly on of the best heart surgeons in the world, particularly known for valve sparing (the David Procedure).  Whenever you need surgery, it will not be as bad as you think, and it is better afterwards.  2 months post op I was running 2 miles and at 3 month I was back playing hockey.  If you have children, you may consider having them checked out periodically as they may be at a higher risk for developing aortic aneurysms.

Good Luck, i know it can be a scary frustrating time.

[Larry]

Susan, last year Feb. 99, I was diagnosed with a 5.5cm assending aortic aneursym with mild to sever regurgitation.  My cardiac physician first told me he could not operate on it, but he told me he knew where they do operate on the same thing on a weekly basis, that was Mayo hospital.  The following week I was in the operating room, in 8 wks I was back at my job and in 12 weeks I was working my second job.  Please get a second opinion aneursym is nothing to fool around with, the phycians did tell me they like to operate on them when they reach 5.0 cm. I had a close friend of mine that died a year ago from the very same thing, if it breaks no need in calling ambulance your gone before they get to open the ambulance doors.  Good luck get a second opinion and go to respectable doctor and hosptil that does this operation on a regular basis Cleveland and Mayo are at the top in this field.