Recently Diagnosed

Hello,

I am a 43 yr old male and I was diagnosed in May with a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm dilated 4.5 cm and just hoping to get some general information from people that have experience with this condition so I know what I can expect for quality of life moving forward. Some background on me: I am a generally healthy guy, I am 6'4", weigh about 230 lbs, muscular build with a few extra pounds, I go to the gym 3-4 days a week (Jog for 30 minutes and lift weights for 30 mins). I recently ran a 5K in just under 30 minutes so I am in decent shape. I experienced no symptoms, the only reason I was referred to a Cardiologist was because the tech put the leads on wrong when I went in for a physical. Everything checked out okay at the Cardiologist including the stress test, made it to stage 7 and hit 90% at 170 BPM with no issues. The only reason we did the stress test and the Echocardiagram was I had a recent bout with a Vasospasm and RCSV so I had to be in the hospital for a few days which caused me to hit my out of pocket maximum so I figured why not get checked out.. My RCVS has since resolved and I don't think it has any relation to this diagnosis... I eat healthy most of the time (mostly vegetarian) but like to splurge every now and then. My worst vices are drinking heavily, using recreational marijuana (edibles and vaping) and the occasional cigar. My BP has been elevated the last 2-3 years (around 140/80 on average), before that it has always been in the normal range.

Here are some general questions I have for starters, but feel free to share any information or experience you have... (I am sure many of the answers depend on many several environmental factors but just looking to hear what everyone has personally experienced)

  • How quickly does the dilation usually expand, is there any possibility it will stagnate or even decrease?
  • Does this condition usually shorten general life span or just introduce increased risk of sudden death?
  • How seriously do I need to consider lifestyle changes? (My doctor instructed me to try to keep my pulse below 120 BPM when exercising but I am still getting up to about 140 BPM, I am still drinking alcohol and using thc/cbd but cutting back)
  • Has anyone experienced symptoms as dilation increases? I am still symptom free
  • What experiences has everyone had with medications? ( I am on Amlodipine 2,5 MG, Metoprolol 25MG and Aspirin 81mg daily) - My BP has come down some but still varies - now I average around 125/80
  • How bad is the surgery, what are the risks and how much does it help?
  • Is surgery essentially inevitable at some point?
  • Does anyone have good information about causes? Lifestyle choices vs genetics etc...
  • What questions should I be asking my doctor?
  • Anything else I should be concerned about?

Thanks everyone!