Question 1

x-ray of lumbar spine shows atherosclerotic plaque in aorta.lipids, lft's, a1c ok w/meds - trigs slightly up.does this plaque guarantee future problem

Accepted Answer

No: Trusting you're not a smoker, or that you will quit on getting this news. The plaque's a marker for problems elsewhere more than a danger itself. You've done well so far. Why not give yourself a fantastic gift -- get back into that fitness-focused lifestyle you enjoyed as a teen, and drop your risk even further? I've seen women of every age accomplish this -- wouldn't it be wonderful?

Question 2

no evidence of calcified plaques in coronary arteries or thoracic aorta.therefore, the calcium score is 0."how reliable is 0 ct score in predictin mi?

Accepted Answer

Need risk factors.: While a high coronary calcium score (CCS) is helpful (in the sense that it virtually guarantees that you have heart disease &amp; need treatment), a low CCS isn't very helpful. It's better for you to decide based on traditional risk factors: age, diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, family history, etc. At your age, even a CCS of 0 can be a false negative. TTYD or use HealthTap Prime to discuss

Question 3

77yrs. cabg-'98, ef-lv 52%, mild copd-'12. treatment/stable. hdl/ldl, bp, spo2   normal. carotid doppler-hemdynamically signifc calcific plaque, 75% ?

Accepted Answer

Stroke history?: Hi. I assume you've not had a stroke or TIA; please clarify if you have. That's what you want to prevent. Regardless of your LDL and HDL, you should be on a high dose statin. Regardless of your BP, you should be on an ACE inhibitor. You should be on some anti-platelet agent (e.g., clopidogrel). You should absolutely NOT smoke (I trust you've quit!). Good luck!

Question 4

chest x-ray revealed "the aorta is unfolded and demonstrates atherosclerotic wall calcifications.  the width of the cardiac contour is normal." ?

Accepted Answer

Atherosclerotic: You have atherosclerosis and need the diet, exercise and other therapy that goes along with it.

Question 5

coronary artery calcifications, aorta, minimal atherosclerotic calcifications on ct/with contrast scan. what does this mean? cause for concern?  cardiologist didnt rush my appt to be seen. is this a common finding on ct? for 53 yof?

Accepted Answer

Arteriosclerosis: The findin of arteriosclerosis is concerning in a 52 year old. The study can't determine whether there are coronary artery blockages. A treadmill stress test would give some idea of this. A coronary angiogram done by cardiac catheterization is the definitive test and is done if symptoms or stress test suggest blockages. You must control BP, attain healthy lipid levels &amp;avoid smoking. Cardiologist

Question 6

how can they fix a dilating aortic root?

Accepted Answer

Watch it: Keep an eye on it. If it gets too big, it can be surgically repaired.

Question 7

how do they fix a dilating aortic root safely?

Accepted Answer

Surgery: Open heart surgery is the preferred method.  There are criteria for when ascending aorta aneurysms should be operated on that can vary depending upon other factors (e.g. Bicuspid aortic valve, etc.).  Talk to a cardiac surgeon.

Question 8

what does 4.3 x 3.9 measure on the aortic root ascending?

Accepted Answer

Aorta: The aorta is dilated. The aortic root should be less than 2.1cm.  The dilation can be associated with an aneurysm or perhaps some type of valvular problem.

Question 9

aortic root measures 42.2x38.9mm and.the ascending aorta measures 38.9x40.1 mm..should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

Those measurements: are enlarged and concerning however without knowing your full health history that is as far as we can go with advice. You should discuss your concerns with your health care provider who has your full information.

Question 10

how harmful is a dilated aortic root?

Accepted Answer

Risk factor: It's the main  risk factor for aortic dissection (tearing of the lining of the aorta) but the devil's in the details.  How dilated is it?

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Doctor answers about:

Calcific atherosclerotic plaque at the aortic root

A member asked:

X-ray of lumbar spine shows atherosclerotic plaque in aorta.lipids, lft's, a1c ok w/meds - trigs slightly up.does this plaque guarantee future problem

A member asked:

No evidence of calcified plaques in coronary arteries or thoracic aorta.therefore, the calcium score is 0."how reliable is 0 ct score in predictin mi?

A member asked:

77yrs. cabg-'98, ef-lv 52%, mild copd-'12. treatment/stable. hdl/ldl, bp, spo2 normal. carotid doppler-hemdynamically signifc calcific plaque, 75% ?

A member asked:

Chest x-ray revealed "the aorta is unfolded and demonstrates atherosclerotic wall calcifications. the width of the cardiac contour is normal." ?

A member asked:

Coronary artery calcifications, aorta, minimal atherosclerotic calcifications on ct/with contrast scan. what does this mean? cause for concern? cardiologist didnt rush my appt to be seen. is this a common finding on ct? for 53 yof?

A member asked:

How can they fix a dilating aortic root?

A member asked:

How do they fix a dilating aortic root safely?

A member asked:

What does 4.3 x 3.9 measure on the aortic root ascending?

A member asked:

Aortic root measures 42.2x38.9mm and.the ascending aorta measures 38.9x40.1 mm..should i be concerned?

A member asked:

How harmful is a dilated aortic root?

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