Aortic Valve Leak and Aneurysm: Day 2
Aortic Valve Leak and Risk of Aneurysms

Did you know that the size of your aorta could determine whether you need life-saving surgery? Discover the crucial numbers that guide this decision.

Today, I want to share vital information about ascending aortic aneurysms and when surgery becomes necessary. As a heart surgeon, I’ve seen many patients grappling with uncertainty about their condition. Let me paint a picture for you:

Imagine your aorta, the main artery carrying blood from your heart, as a garden hose. Now, picture a section of that hose beginning to bulge. That’s essentially what happens in an ascending aortic aneurysm. If left untreated, this bulge can lead to a tear (dissection) or rupture – both life-threatening emergencies.

The good news is, we have clear guidelines to help determine when intervention is necessary. These guidelines are like a roadmap, helping us navigate the delicate balance between the risks of surgery and the dangers of waiting.

Here are the key numbers you need to know:

1. For a normal tri-leaflet aortic valve:

– Replace at 5.5 cm if the valve functions normally

– Replace at 5.0 cm if the valve is abnormal

2. For a bicuspid aortic valve:

– Replace at 5.0 cm if the valve functions normally

– Replace at 4.5 cm if the valve is abnormal

Additionally, we consider immediate intervention if:

– Your aorta grows by more than 0.5 cm in a year

– You have a family history of aortic complications

Remember, these guidelines are just part of the picture. We also consider your overall health, age, and body size when making decisions. For a more personalised assessment, we use a nomogram that factors in your body surface area.

Understanding your condition is the first step towards taking control of your heart health. Stay tuned for our next video, where we’ll delve deeper into how we calculate your personalised risk of aortic complications.

Best Wishes,

Mr. Birdi
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
BMed Sci (Hon) BM BS FRCS (CTh) MCh