Experience with Aortic Aneurysm.

[natale1980]

So my mom has an aortic aneurysm and I just found out tonight that it is hereditary. I've been training for the Princess Half Marathon since the beginning of November and don't want to stop.

I'm going to call my doctor on Monday and hopefully I'll be able to get in quickly to find out for sure if I am at risk.

My Question Is:
Does anyone have any experience with an aortic aneurysm? I'm just curious what the safe heart rate levels would be. I would love to keep walking until I find out that I'm risk-free of exploding.

-nat

 

[momof2minnies]

Nat
Aneurysms themselves are hereditary in that the weakening of the artery wall is what causes them to begin with.My Dad had a AAA(abdominal aortic aneurysm) and had that repaired.They wait unitl it is approx. 6 cm to operate to be successful.He did very well.He now has one higher in the aorta and it is at 4.5 cm.We just found this out this summer.He has to see the MD in April again for another ultrasound.
Back to heredity part- everyone in my Dad's family has had aneurysms of some sort- abdominal, cerebral and my grandmothers aorta just disintegrated right in the OR and we lost her.
My brother and I have been checked- so far clear.I am not sure you need to run right out and see an MD or get an ultrasound before walking the race but if you feel more comfortable and makes you sane then it is worth it.
Make sure your mom continues to get ultrasounds because a ruptured aneurysm is a whole different ballgame.

If you have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask.

Linda

 

[natale1980]

Nat
Aneurysms themselves are hereditary in that the weakening of the artery wall is what causes them to begin with.My Dad had a AAA(abdominal aortic aneurysm) and had that repaired.They wait unitl it is approx. 6 cm to operate to be successful.He did very well.He now has one higher in the aorta and it is at 4.5 cm.We just found this out this summer.He has to see the MD in April again for another ultrasound.
Back to heredity part- everyone in my Dad's family has had aneurysms of some sort- abdominal, cerebral and my grandmothers aorta just disintegrated right in the OR and we lost her.
My brother and I have been checked- so far clear.I am not sure you need to run right out and see an MD or get an ultrasound before walking the race but if you feel more comfortable and makes you sane then it is worth it.
Make sure your mom continues to get ultrasounds because a ruptured aneurysm is a whole different ballgame.

If you have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask.

Linda

Thanks for the input. I ended up not running today (my long day) because I woke up with a nasty headache. I plan on making up for it tomorrow and then coming home and calling my doctor.
I tend to over think some things and just won't enjoy training or the race. I had no idea it was hereditary until last night, and now its all I can think of.

-nat

 

[Bilberry]

Not sure if this is what you are looking for, but saw this article by a cardiologist the other day. He has seen some of his patients halting the progression of their aortic valve disease by normalizing vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D: Deficiency vs optimum level
http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/vitamin-d-deficiency-vs-optimum-level.html

 

[natale1980]

Thanks Bilberry, I'll ask my doctor.

I made an appointment to see the doctor. They are going to do blood work on this Thursday (the normal stuff) and then I get to see him next week. I'm trying to tell myself everything is fine so I've been keeping up with my workouts. If you believe it it's true........ right?

Anyway - I though most likely I am healthy, it's a good idea to check everything out and have a base line. I mean I am almost 31!!!

-nat

 

[Gretta]

Hi Nat,

I have an ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm. All this means is that the aneurysm is right up next to the heart. Mine is the result of a bicuspid valve. A bicuspid valve is a hereditary heart defect. Mine was diagnosed 4 1/2 years ago and measures 4.8 cm. When it reaches 5 cm. I will have a bypass surgery and the valve will be replaced and the aneurysm repaired. It is checked every 6 months. In October I completed the Wine and Dine 1/2 Marathon. My doctor would not let me run the whole thing so I did John Bingham's program and ran 3min and walked 2. I am supposed to keep my heart rate below 140 at all times and I wear a Garmin305 with HR monitor. I plan to complete another 1/2 marathon this year as well. I have two sons (19 & 21) they do not have the bicuspid valve or signs of an aneurysm. They will be rechecked every 7-10 years. So, it is very possible to compete in races with a heart problem if you are careful and listen to your doctor. Please let me know if you have any more questions.

Take care,
Gretta

 

[natale1980]

Gretta,

That is amazing!

I ended up going to the doctor and everything was fine. I am going to tell my mom however about your story. That is amazing that you are still able to participate in marathons.

-nat

 

[Gretta]

Hi Natale,

I'm so glad to hear that you went to the doctor and everything is fine. Best of luck to you in the Princess 1/2. I really, really wish I was doing this one. I am looking at Virginia Beach in Sept. or Wine and Dine in Oct. I will definitely be running the WDW 1/2 next January with my 19 year old and can't wait!

Take care,
Gretta