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@chrisn61

Genetic?
My 65 year old brother died last month from a heart attack. No symptoms and he wasn’t on any medication for health problems. I’m 62 - and haven’t had any symptoms or health problems- but scheduled a complete checkup because of my brother’s unexpected death. I just got a CT scan and I have a 42mm dilation in my ascending aorta. I’m wearing a heart monitor for another 10 days. and am scheduled for a stress test the day after i am finished with the monitor. Any advice? Has anyone had any experience with DNA testing for this?

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Replies to "Genetic? My 65 year old brother died last month from a heart attack. No symptoms and..."

Take no chances. As for the DNA testing, it’s worth doing to rule out that as issue. Had it done because what happened was so severe and without any warning. The DNA test came out clean but I was happy that I did it.

I suggest you a good heart/thoracic doctor who specializes in repair of accenting aneurisms. They not only give good advice but also are there in case it grows to 5mm or more when it might require an operation. It has to be in a hospital that has comprehensive resources and does this operation a lot. Mine is also at 42mm. A lot of good advice from others in this forum. My doctors stress limiting the weight I lift, keeping blood pressure low, heart rate low etc. All the best.

Hi Chrisn61. I am going to be seen in genetics in March. I have a 44 ascending aneurysm. No risk factors, but it appears to be growing. My brother age 68 has a 42 ascending aneurysm. My cardiologist is sending me for the genetic testing, because the researchers are looking for common genes which predispose some people to aneurysms. They also plan to check all the arteries at that time. What I have read, is that there is a percentage of people who have dissections at smaller sizes than 4.5 to 5.0 measurement, and if a person has a genetic predisposition identified, then this would influence the schedule for a repair. I am just hoping that my brother's and mine dont grow anymore. We will see what happens. Good luck with yours. Plus I hope that the researchers are able to identify the gene or genes responsible soon.
UPArtist