@pamela78 Hi, I understand your worry as I was recently diagnosed as well. I'm only 57 and my dilation is 43mm. If I were you, I would ask to be monitored every 6 months at this point until they have a good read on how the dilation is growing. You can also pay out of pocket for a CT scan, they are roughly $100. I plan on asking the cardiologist for 6 months of monitoring and I am going to pay out of pocket for a CT after 3 and 9 months. Just until I know more.

If I can ease your mind, I read a study (mind you it was done on men), but the study looked at how quickly these things grow. On average the growth rate was only 0.1mm/year. Meaning it would take 10 years for the dilation to move from 42mm to 43mm. Of course, everyone is different. Many people never know they have one. Mine was found serendipitously through a CT scan. The good news is that you can monitor it and if something were to happen and you have a dissection, you can alert the medical professionals of your condition so they don't treat you for a heart attack or something else. I know it's scary, but the only thing that can hurt you right now is your thoughts about it. I have been meditating and it's been hugely helpful. Best of luck. Much health and happiness...xoxo. ~S