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Suggest Treatment For Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Question: Hello. One of the results of a CT done last week was a 4.1 cm ascending aortic aneurysm. I have been told to watch my blood pressure (although my blood pressure has always been excellent, usually between 70/110 and 80/120). Is there anything I be watching in addition to BP?
A few questions
1. Aside form surgery, is there any way to decrease the aneurysm? (I like to be proactive in my health. Are there any nutrition or supplements that can help?)
2. Exercise-during exercise, one's BP naturally rises. Is that a problem? I know I will concentrate on mostly cardio and light weight resistance.
3. Is some caffeine ok? (i.e.-decaf coffee still has some caffeine, or the caffeine in green tea)
4. I have been doing whole body cryo therapy (where one goes into an upright tube and the body is subjected to extremely cold temperatures for 3 minutes). Is the BP increase that results a problem? Wouldn't that be the same as exercise?
Thank you.
A few questions
1. Aside form surgery, is there any way to decrease the aneurysm? (I like to be proactive in my health. Are there any nutrition or supplements that can help?)
2. Exercise-during exercise, one's BP naturally rises. Is that a problem? I know I will concentrate on mostly cardio and light weight resistance.
3. Is some caffeine ok? (i.e.-decaf coffee still has some caffeine, or the caffeine in green tea)
4. I have been doing whole body cryo therapy (where one goes into an upright tube and the body is subjected to extremely cold temperatures for 3 minutes). Is the BP increase that results a problem? Wouldn't that be the same as exercise?
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Detailed answers as follows
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome.
This is Dr Sameer, cardiologist.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm arise mostly from congenial anomalies which also weaken the wall of the blood vessels.
Surgery is indicated when size exceeds 55mm. As at this much size chances of dissection is very high.
Coming to your questions one by one.
1) Actually their is no other treatment except surgery when the size is more than 55mm. Any size lower than this is observation for rapid increase in diameter. The increase is mostly through high BP which puts pressure over the wall and increase the dissection. So what you can do is just keep your bp monitored so that if it goes high proper treatment can be done.
2) Heavy exercise is generally a condition of stress to body & blood vessel & is not recommended. Light exercise can be done.
3) Some amount of coffee can be taken. But avoid strong coffee.
4) Anything that is stress & increase bp increase the stress on the wall of blood vessel whether it be transient. If cryotherapy increase bp, it should also be avoided.
So remember the precautions you take today will prevent you from undergoing surgery & avoid the complications.
I hope these answers your query.
Thanks & take care
Detailed answers as follows
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome.
This is Dr Sameer, cardiologist.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm arise mostly from congenial anomalies which also weaken the wall of the blood vessels.
Surgery is indicated when size exceeds 55mm. As at this much size chances of dissection is very high.
Coming to your questions one by one.
1) Actually their is no other treatment except surgery when the size is more than 55mm. Any size lower than this is observation for rapid increase in diameter. The increase is mostly through high BP which puts pressure over the wall and increase the dissection. So what you can do is just keep your bp monitored so that if it goes high proper treatment can be done.
2) Heavy exercise is generally a condition of stress to body & blood vessel & is not recommended. Light exercise can be done.
3) Some amount of coffee can be taken. But avoid strong coffee.
4) Anything that is stress & increase bp increase the stress on the wall of blood vessel whether it be transient. If cryotherapy increase bp, it should also be avoided.
So remember the precautions you take today will prevent you from undergoing surgery & avoid the complications.
I hope these answers your query.
Thanks & take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Thank you for the answer. I just did my pressure, and it was 114/77. Of course, that was in the comfort of my home and no stress surroundings. At what BP reading should be I concerned?
Thank you again.
Thank you again.
Brief Answer:
Any bp readings above 140/90 is harmful
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Thanks for the reply. You should keep your bp readings below 140/90. At readings higher than that, you should mention it to your treating doctor. Also remember to repeat echo every 6 months to see for any change in the size of Aneurysm.
I hope you reaming well & do not require surgery.
Thanks & take care
Any bp readings above 140/90 is harmful
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Thanks for the reply. You should keep your bp readings below 140/90. At readings higher than that, you should mention it to your treating doctor. Also remember to repeat echo every 6 months to see for any change in the size of Aneurysm.
I hope you reaming well & do not require surgery.
Thanks & take care
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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