I am guessing here...it may be up to the "doctor/hospital" guidelines and the overall health and age of the patient. (I am 72 - 4.1 ascending aortic aneurysm). Sometimes there are other health factors in regard to how often a patient should be tested. Since mine was found by accident when I had another unrelated ( not a heart health issue), the cardiologist decided to wait for two years before the repeat round of tests. I am comfortable with his decision since I have medication and I feel good. I adjusted exercise etc based on his recommendations and have no issues. Then again I never knew I had TAA until I had the chest muscle pull. Needless to say, it worried me in the beginning as well, and so many wonderful posters shared their experience on this thread. I am only sharing my health experience with my testing schedule going forward. I am not a doctor and everyone should refer to his/her doctor in regard to what is best for their own overall health plan.