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Hello I Had A Ct Scan Done For A Calcium
Question: Hello I had a ct scan done for a calcium score as heart disease runs in my family. I am 37 and got a score of zero. They did however find that my ascending aorta was very slightly enlarged. I was so alarmed when they did this but she did the cardiologist is not concerned and didn’t recommend follow up. She said just something for me to be aware of. I have an anxiety disorder and now can’t stop crying about this. She said it is not an aneurysm and was no reason for alarm or to worry and the cardiologist didn’t feel follow up was necessary just something to be noted. I’m so scared please help.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on - Ask a Doctor - service!
I passed carefully through your concern and would explain that you have nothing to worry about your heart. Your calcium score of 0 is a good evidence for the absence of any coronary artery disorder.
From the other side the conclusion of a slightly enlarged ascending aorta needs to be properly correlated with your specific health and clinical conditions.
We may have apparently enlarged aortic dimensions, but when indexed for a greater than the average body size (body surface area and height), the aorta remains within the accepted normal ranges.
So when considering the aorta size is it necessary to keep in mind the patient body size.
In addition, other potential findings should be sought as well.
A clinically relevant aortic valve disorder would make the increased aortic dimensions an issue of concern and a careful clinical investigation follow up would be considered to control for any progression, especially if any connective tissue disorder would be suspected.
An uncontrolled arterial hypertension is considered a risk factor that would impose a borderline aortic dimension under an unfavorable stress to further increase.
So, blood pressure control is recommended especially if elevated BP values are frequently encountered.
Smoking should be avoided (even passive close smoking contacts), as it contains dangerous compounds that may weaken the connective components of the aortic walls.
Regarding your anxiety, I would recommend practicing Yoga and listening to a lot of music.
Recreational sports and meditation can help too.
If your anxiety does not improve with the above natural tips, I would recommend discussing with a specialist of the field (psychotherapists or psychiatrist) on other possible treatment options (psychotherapy, antidepressants).
In the meantime, I would recommend taking valeriana and passiflora supplements, which are herbal remedies against anxiety.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on - Ask a Doctor - service!
I passed carefully through your concern and would explain that you have nothing to worry about your heart. Your calcium score of 0 is a good evidence for the absence of any coronary artery disorder.
From the other side the conclusion of a slightly enlarged ascending aorta needs to be properly correlated with your specific health and clinical conditions.
We may have apparently enlarged aortic dimensions, but when indexed for a greater than the average body size (body surface area and height), the aorta remains within the accepted normal ranges.
So when considering the aorta size is it necessary to keep in mind the patient body size.
In addition, other potential findings should be sought as well.
A clinically relevant aortic valve disorder would make the increased aortic dimensions an issue of concern and a careful clinical investigation follow up would be considered to control for any progression, especially if any connective tissue disorder would be suspected.
An uncontrolled arterial hypertension is considered a risk factor that would impose a borderline aortic dimension under an unfavorable stress to further increase.
So, blood pressure control is recommended especially if elevated BP values are frequently encountered.
Smoking should be avoided (even passive close smoking contacts), as it contains dangerous compounds that may weaken the connective components of the aortic walls.
Regarding your anxiety, I would recommend practicing Yoga and listening to a lot of music.
Recreational sports and meditation can help too.
If your anxiety does not improve with the above natural tips, I would recommend discussing with a specialist of the field (psychotherapists or psychiatrist) on other possible treatment options (psychotherapy, antidepressants).
In the meantime, I would recommend taking valeriana and passiflora supplements, which are herbal remedies against anxiety.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much. I had an echocardiogram about 5 years ago and all of my valves were fine. Stress test with due was fine as well. I am 5’7 and 240 lbs. trying to lose weight quickly. No medications now and blood pressure is normal. If you were me would you get a repeat echo to look closer at the aorta or would you leave it alone and just relax!
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
The fact you cardiac tests have resulted normal is an important reassuring information. This supports the advice that your attending doctor gave to you not to worry too much about.
Your calculated body surface area is more than 2 meters square and this means that your ascending aorta diameter may result within normal range when indexed be BSA (divided by BSA).
Nevertheless, I would like to know the exact aortic dimensions concluded by the angio CT.
Meanwhile, I would explain that a new echo is not expected to give more precise information that Angio CT has provided. So, I would not recommend a repeated exam.
Coming to this point, I would agree with your doctor and not to worry about that.
Just relax and follow a healthy life-style!
I remain at your disposal for any further discussions, in case you provide me with more precise information on your angio CT scan. Could you upload the report here for a second professional opinion?
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
The fact you cardiac tests have resulted normal is an important reassuring information. This supports the advice that your attending doctor gave to you not to worry too much about.
Your calculated body surface area is more than 2 meters square and this means that your ascending aorta diameter may result within normal range when indexed be BSA (divided by BSA).
Nevertheless, I would like to know the exact aortic dimensions concluded by the angio CT.
Meanwhile, I would explain that a new echo is not expected to give more precise information that Angio CT has provided. So, I would not recommend a repeated exam.
Coming to this point, I would agree with your doctor and not to worry about that.
Just relax and follow a healthy life-style!
I remain at your disposal for any further discussions, in case you provide me with more precise information on your angio CT scan. Could you upload the report here for a second professional opinion?
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry about!
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
I totally agree with your cardiologist: your actual ascending aorta diameter is not an issue of concern. It is quite a normal size for your age and body size.
There is nothing to think or to worry about!
Of course, rechecking the medical tests again is very reassuring. But repeating the aorta angio CT is not considered indispensable in a periodic fashion, considering the fact the aortic dimensions are not located in the upper normal limits for your body surface area. Coming to this point, you should avoid unnecessary radiation.
Instead, repeated cardiac ultrasound with an optimal visualization of the ascending aorta would be a safe and reasonable alternative for the long followup strategy.
Wishing you all the best!
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Nothing to worry about!
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
I totally agree with your cardiologist: your actual ascending aorta diameter is not an issue of concern. It is quite a normal size for your age and body size.
There is nothing to think or to worry about!
Of course, rechecking the medical tests again is very reassuring. But repeating the aorta angio CT is not considered indispensable in a periodic fashion, considering the fact the aortic dimensions are not located in the upper normal limits for your body surface area. Coming to this point, you should avoid unnecessary radiation.
Instead, repeated cardiac ultrasound with an optimal visualization of the ascending aorta would be a safe and reasonable alternative for the long followup strategy.
Wishing you all the best!
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Ok I spoke to cardiologist today and he said it is 3.6.mm He said again not to worry and this was just in the normal range for my surface area. I’m 5’7 and 250 lbs. does this sound ok? He said to rescan in three to five years
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