Question 1

does an aortic aneurysm show up on a routine echocardiogram?

Accepted Answer

Depends on location: The aorta is a long blood vessel that attaches to the heart, extends through the chest and into the abdomen. Aneurysms, or dilatation of the vessel can occur anywhere along the length of the aorta. If the aneurysm is located in the area of the aorta that attaches to the heart, a routine echocardiogram should identify it, however more distal aneurysms won't be seen with this study.

Question 2

would a stress echocardiogram show if someone had a aortic aneurysm or a dilated aorta?

Accepted Answer

Stress test: Diagnosis of these conditions is. Done by other methods such. As auscultation, xray or ultrasound but a stress test may give a clue of there presence

Question 3

can an echocardiogram find an aneurysm? im a 56 yr old man and my father died from an aortic aneurysm at 54. my doctor wants to do an echocardiogram. do you think hes looking for an aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

The : The short answer is that an echocardiogram can sometimes find an ascending aortic aneurysm if it is relatively close to the heart. It is a good place to start, particularly if this is the type of aneurysm that your father died from. It is safe, non-invasive, and requires no radiation. If it is not seen on echo and there is still a concern, then your doctor may consider a ct scan or an mri. Echo is also important because there sometimes can be valve abnormalites associated with aneurysms.

Question 4

is aortic aneurysm a common condition?

Accepted Answer

No but its not rare: Abdominal aortic aneurysms are more common than thoracic . An aneurysm is defined as an enlargement of the aorta 1.5 x the normal diameter. The incidence is around 37 per 100, 000 patient yrs. There is a 3% prevalence in those over 50 yrs old. Male to female ratio of 9 to 1. Risk factors hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, family history and age.

Question 5

are there warning signs for an aortic aneurysm? any ways to prevent one? is there an exam that shows if you are susceptible to one?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Sometimes there are no symptoms and it is picked up by ultrasound or a good physician exam. Get checked out by your doctor to see if you need an ultrasound.

Question 6

burst aneurysm in grandpa's leg at age 75. dr just found aortic aneurysm at 87. is this common at these ages or suggestive of ehlers danlos?

Accepted Answer

Common with HTN: Rare to see Ehlers-Danlos in that age range especially vascular type. Much more likely related to more common risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, elevated cholesterol etc.

Question 7

is bruising in the periumbilical area a common sign of a leaking aortic aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

Very Late sign: Since the abdominal aorta is in the retroperitoneum, bleeding most often occurs into the space near the kidneys. Early symptoms are abdominal, back or flank pain. It is more common to have bruising of the flanks (grey turner's sign). It is possible for the blood to track all the way up to the umbilicus, but this would be a pretty late sign. Hopefully you would be in the or by then!

Question 8

upper back pain have had thoracic x-ray. would aortic aneurysm show if present on pic. thank you?

Accepted Answer

May or maynot: Depending on the x-ray and the amount of radiation etc, it may or may no show on a regular x-ray.  If concerned, let your dr. Know and there are more definitive tests to assess for aneurysms than a routine x-ray of the thoracic back area.

Question 9

4.9cm ascending aortic aneurysm. am i ok to fly transatlantic? i'm concerned that if it ruptured, there would not be enough to get me to medical car

Accepted Answer

Surgical parameters: once the aneurysm reaches a diameter of 5.5 cm, surgical correction is mandatory, Use compression socks, walk around airplane  and tretch/flex your lower legs.It is rare to see a rupture with an aneurysm less than 5.5 cm.  Rupture would be fatal if it occurred over the Atlantic, since no land mass/hospital would be close enough.

Question 10

can i exercise with aortic aneurysm? my father is in his 70's and had a slight aortic aneurysm.  he wants to start exercising in the gym, but i'm concerned it may be dangerous.  are there any particular machines or exercises he should avoid?

Accepted Answer

Your : Your father should avoid activities that raise the blood pressure excessively. Heavy weight lifting should be avoided at all costs, and he should focus on light aerobic activity such as briskly walking on a treadmill. A good rule of thumb is to exercise just enough to break a light sweat while maintaining the ability to carry on a conversation. I would recommend that he have an exercise stress test with a cardiologist to assess his blood pressure response to exercise and to help develop an exercise prescription. Any chest, back or abdominal pain or pressure with exercise should be taken very seriously and prompt immediate medical attention.

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Doctor answers about:

Does an aortic aneurysm show up on a routine echocardiogram

A member asked:

Does an aortic aneurysm show up on a routine echocardiogram?

A member asked:

Would a stress echocardiogram show if someone had a aortic aneurysm or a dilated aorta?

A member asked:

Can an echocardiogram find an aneurysm? im a 56 yr old man and my father died from an aortic aneurysm at 54. my doctor wants to do an echocardiogram. do you think hes looking for an aneurysm?

A member asked:

Is aortic aneurysm a common condition?

A member asked:

Are there warning signs for an aortic aneurysm? any ways to prevent one? is there an exam that shows if you are susceptible to one?

A member asked:

Burst aneurysm in grandpa's leg at age 75. dr just found aortic aneurysm at 87. is this common at these ages or suggestive of ehlers danlos?

A member asked:

Is bruising in the periumbilical area a common sign of a leaking aortic aneurysm?

A member asked:

Upper back pain have had thoracic x-ray. would aortic aneurysm show if present on pic. thank you?

A member asked:

4.9cm ascending aortic aneurysm. am i ok to fly transatlantic? i'm concerned that if it ruptured, there would not be enough to get me to medical car

A member asked:

Can i exercise with aortic aneurysm? my father is in his 70's and had a slight aortic aneurysm. he wants to start exercising in the gym, but i'm concerned it may be dangerous. are there any particular machines or exercises he should avoid?

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