Aortic Root Size

[Ron427]

In July 2008 my echo cardiogram showed my aortic root size to be 5 cm which led to an MRA which showed it to be 5.2 cm.  My cardiologist recommended another MRA in 6 month to determine if it is increasing.  My general practitioner feels that 5 cm is normal and as long as my blood pressure remains low (126/74).   He recommends that the condition continue to monitored by doing another echo gram in April 2009.   From what I have read some doctors feel that 5 cm is high normal and if it approaches 6 cm then there is need for concern, while others feel that 5 cm is at that stage where there should be major concern.   How concerned should I be about my condition?

[stenosis_31]

There is also consideration taken of the size of your aorta compared to the dialation.  My surgeon is waiting to about 4 before surgery but, I am female and my normal size is on the low end.  In your case though I'm wondering why you aren't having surgery now-dissection is very dangerous and needs to be avoided. I would get a second opinion right away.  I was also told to avoid heavy lifting as it can cause too much pressure on the aorta and cause it to rupture.

[kenkeith]

Generally, normal aorta root is 2.0 - 3.7 cm, 4.0 is considered an aneurism, and 5.0 cm is getting into the range where an operation is considered.

The risk is the possibility of rupture so controlled blood pressure is a major factor as well as avoid heavy lifting.  Another factor is how fast is the diameter increasing is size.  The 126 systole could be lower for a better safety reliance.