Hi @tj1778 and @anniejam,

Ascending aortic aneurysms (or dilated ascending aorta) are a type of thoracic aortic aneurysms or aneurysms that occur in the chest area above the diaphragm. They are the second most common type of aortic aneurysms.
Doctors usually treat small aneurysms with beta-blockers, but if the aneurysm is large or growing rapidly, it will require surgery. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350193

Diastolic dysfunction means that your heart may not be relaxing enough between beats, which limits the amount of blood the ventricles can collect, and the heart has to work harder. The mildest form is called an "abnormal relaxation pattern", or grade I diastolic dysfunction. https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/cardiovascular-diseases/news/heart-failure-with-preserved-ejection-fraction-hfpef-more-than-diastolic-dysfunction/mac-20430055

I’d like to bring in other members who may have experiences to share. Please meet @degarden_girl @laverne @crhp194 @rory @morninglory @jend @thegoodwife @thankful @ch246cf10 @debbydiane @janet26 @Drew944 @twocents @prward

It may also be helpful to check out this information from the American Academy of Cardiology: https://www.cardiosmart.org/Heart-Conditions/Aortic-Aneurysm/Questions-to-Ask-Your-Doctor