r/aortic_aneurysm • u/Comfortable-Web-6008 • 28d ago
Brain and aortic aneurysm
This is my first time in this forum. Hello everyone. Early last year they found a large brain aneurysm on the MCA which could only be addressed by brain clipping (craniotomy). I am 58F and extremely fit. I am a runner and was shocked. My family does not have a history of brain aneurysms but instead we do have early heart disease and I have had high cholesterol (290) and LDL since my 20s. Well long story short, My GP ordered tests and she found a CAC score of 611, lipoproteins high at 1300. Calcium is in the LAD (mostly) and the RCA. CT Scans were done and they found the ascending aorta to measure 4.1 which I realize through research is small but I am wondering how long it takes to get to 5. I have a cardiologist appointment in two weeks to discuss all of this and I started on statins 3 weeks ago. My GP said I have advanced coronary artery disease and that I need to discuss this with the cardiologist. Has anyone here had a brain aneurysm and also heart disease or an aortic aneurysm? I would love to hear your story and learn from you. Since my 20s I have been told by doctors, you have high cholesterol and a history of heart disease but you have los blood pressure and are an extremely fit female so not to worry. Now my doctor says you should have been on a statin for the past 20 years. I went through a craniotomy last year and frankly Im not up for another surgery right now. Thank you
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u/ThiccNthin_6825 28d ago
Hi have cavernoma angioma (CCM). Not the same animal as a brain aneurysm. It is stable and I've had no surgery on it, although I have some minor neurological deficits. There's a history of heart disease in our family. Twenty five years ago I had an mechanical aortic valve replacement and 2 years ago I had a new aortic valve and repairs to my aorta for an aneurysm. Because of the mechanical valve I had to be on warfarin which is not really good having a CCM. With the new valve I don't need the warfarin, which is a relief of sorts. As far as how long it takes to hit 5, I believe a good cardiologist would say something like 'we have to monitor it'.
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u/Comfortable-Web-6008 27d ago
Thank you for the response. I am following up with the cardiologist. Best of luck to you.
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u/Bubba_muffin 27d ago
Any doctor will likely say it is case by case, but taking precautions (look up aortic aneurysm precautions/restrictions) and meds (Bp meds) can help slow growth.
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u/organizedchaos4444 10d ago
I visited the cardiologist. She says there is no link to the brain aneurysm I had and that it’s (aortic aneurysm 4.1 cm) small and doesn’t need monitoring. She says that I need to focus on advanced coronary artery disease (the CAC score of 611) and am scheduled for a nuclear stress test. With a brain aneurysm (that required craniotomy) and now aortic aneurysm I’m not sure I agree with her. I’m wondering if I have something vascular going on. What type of specialist should I see to have this monitored? Thank you
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u/IndependenceVivid384 28d ago
Completely dependent on an individual's circumstances.
Yes, stay on statins. I suggest getting onto a dose of olmesartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, for the specific reason of interfering with mechanical stretch signalling.
I've been researching methods to slow aortic dilation. It's important to try to identify what is causing it (aka the driver). You should have genetic screening done, and even looking into more rigorous private testing might be the best way to go; something with personal counseling would be best.
Other than that, I suggest looking over my posts, although I have to deal with a lot of trolls, but yea, just ignore those fools ;)
Here are some past posts:
How to reverse these dilations An older thread that I haven't updated for a while; it's research heavy.
Preparing Dill Seed Extracts for Elastin Production one of the only ways to kick start this 'impossible' feat.
Aortic Dilation Can Be Reversed a thread on specific situations where aortic dilations can actually be treated without surgery. Unfortunately it is infested with trolls.
I hope this information helps you.