Iv been informed today that I have Dilated aortic root at stj level.... I have rang the gp to advise what this means as I have major health anxiety and they have booked an phone appointment for Tuesday.
Does anyone know of I should be worried about this as I don't want to Google
Please help x
Hi Kirstie,
Suddenly getting a diagnosis like this, particularly one that is not explained, can be worrying. Unfortunately, these things can be dropped on you without explanation, which in my view shouldn't really happen, but you're right to try and find out for yourself what this means.
There's quite a wide range of things to be considered by the doctors over time, but the basic thing at present is that they have discovered something which simply needs to be monitored long term (and I'm talking usually decades), just in case things develop. Or possibly, it's an explanation for some symptoms you're already getting (see below)?
The aorta is the main blood vessel/artery taking blood from your heart to the rest of the body. It comes out of the heart via the aortic valve which sits nestled on top of the heart. The valve is contained in its own little structure which supports it, broadly called the aortic root, but more particularly referred to as the "sinuses of valsalva". This structure bulges out where it contains the valve then reduces in size again to match the aorta pipe itself, and the join between the bulge and the aorta is called the sino-tubular junction, or STJ. If the aorta is dilated here, it can cause things like a bit of leakage back around the valve, which would leave you tired when exerting yourself.
More than that, there's not much to go on. How was this found? Did they do an echo scan to look at some cardiac concern which is already giving symptoms? And how old are you?
I'd ring the nurses on this website as they will help you, I would suggest if there was anything majorly wrong they would have rung you or have you admitted,I've had a dilated aorta which has resolved itself
hi Kirstie many people on this site have a dilated aortic root. Mine is linked to a bicuspid aortic valve so the blood does not flow properly through the valve but there can be different reasons. The good news is that the issue has been identified so the doctors can monitor if it gets any worse and will know if it reaches the stage when anything needs to be done. Depending on severity some people are monitored every 3 years one year or 6 months like me if you are borderline for an operation. However mine has been stable for 5 years since diagnosis. When you talk to the doctor ask him or her to explain what further tests(if any are proposed) are you going to be referred to the cardiology servic and any monitoring or treatment proposed ( I have echos and mri s at various intervals). I have been told that if you have a dilated aortic valve or aorta you should keep your blood pressure under control so am on blood pressure meds and try and eat well and do more exercise. You may want to ask the doctor if there is any exercise you should or shouldn’t do. I am allowed to do pretty much anything including running but not weights or HIT exercise. The diagnosis may impact on your travel insurance. In my experience as long as you have a settled diagnosis and are not awaiting further tests you can get insurance but the premium goes up. I was also told to go to the dentist at regular intervals as there is a link between good tooth and heart health. hope that the doctor will be able to reassure you. I know it is really hard but try not to worry too much. It is good news the condition has been identified so can be monitored best wishes
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