I survived a thoracic ascending aortic dissection. It was 4.3cm. There is some family history of this. I informed my cardiologist that my sister died of a dissection a year before. He said mine was small and see you in 2 years. After the dissection, the surgeon said I should have had a repair scheduled at 4cm, told my adult children to get tested for aneurysms and I had to do genetic testing. Initial tests showed a mutation of unknown significance but I have submitted another sample for more testing. I also had a series of physical tests at an aorta genetic clinic. I’ve been told that there was no explanation why mine would dissect unless there is a genetic cause. They obviously think ‘unknown significance’ is worth additional testing. It might be lack of data and in that case, I’m happy to help improve the stats. It might help the next generation. My understanding is that if I show something with the genetics, my children will qualify for genetic testing and earlier monitoring.