New Diagnosis

[Livelovelife56]

Good morning I joined in 2021 when my 15 year old son was diagnosed with HCM & aortic root dilation. In November last year I was diagnosed with Aortic Root Dilation from an echocardiogram at Royal Free. I have two appointments coming up one in March at vascular surgery clinic and in April at cardiology clinic.

I have to say that I am not as devastated as when I got my son's diagnosed. But I'm wondering if any of you lovely people who offer support and information so generously might know why I have a vascular surgery appointment?

My son has attended cardiomyopathy & aortopathy clinic so I don't know what vascular clinic is.

My blood pressure is not ideal and my GP is talking about me taking stating ( hasn't happened yet). I'm overweight and do no exercise ☹️

Thank you for any help you can offer

[JulianM]

I share your puzzlement about the vascular surgery clinic.

That would be highly relevant if your abdominal aorta was dilated, but the evidence so far only relates to your aortic root. Basically, vascular surgeons work on anything beyond the aortic arch, which can include the descending aorta and the larger blood vessels that branch off the aorta.

The aortic root is definitely the territory of cardiothoracic surgeons, if surgery is ever called for! And a cardiologist would be involved in monitoring and assessment in both areas - so that bit does make sense to me ...

[Livelovelife56 in reply to JulianM]

Happy New Year JulianM. I had a look at the letter again and the dilation is at the Sinus of Valsalva and is currently at 4.8cm. I guess I will have to wait until the appointments to get more information 🙄

[JulianM in reply to Livelovelife56]

Yes, Sinus of Valsalva is definitely aortic root and vascular surgeons wouldn't touch it! 4.8 cm isn't an emergency but it's definitely not right - my ascending aorta is exactly the same size. And Happy New Year to you too!

[Livelovelife56 in reply to JulianM]

Thanks you are always so supportive e Like I mentioned I'm not as freaked out as when my son was diagnosed so il wait for appointment to see what is going on.