August 1, 2006 Next month is Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection (TAAD) Awareness Month at the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation. I remember the time when I did not know about TAAD. Aneurysms in the brain, yes, I had heard of them. But the bulging of the aorta in the chest was something foreign to me. And I had never heard of a blood vessel tearing, which is called dissection, at all. That all changed when I began to research the aneurysm discovered in my husband's ascending aorta. It was found about 11 years following the replacement of his native bicuspid aortic valve, which had severe stenosis and was heavily calcificied when it was removed. I did not know that because my husband was born with a bicuspid aortic valve he was at risk of TAAD. There are other risk factors also associated with aortic disease in the chest, which are listed on the Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection page. It seems strange to me now that I had never heard of TAAD, because I seem to encounter it everywhere I go. It is all around us, mostly unrecognized. Our goal is to bring it into the light - where its existence is recognized, and it can be accurately identified and expertly treated. I hope you will join with us not only in September but through out the year as we work to bring greater awareness of TAAD. Proactive screening, accurate assessment, and successful treatment are possible today, but they begin with awareness of aortic disease in the chest. Working together to put a spotlight on TAAD, we create a climate of hope . . . . With very best wishes to all, Arlys Velebir Chair, Board of Directors Bicuspid Aortic Foundation Contact Us Bicuspid Aortic Foundation 30100 Town Center Drive, Suite O-299 Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Telephone Toll free in the US (888) 310-HOPE (4673) or (949) 495-0027 Fax: (949) 606-0413 Email: contactus@bicuspidfoundation.com Copyright © 2004 - 2006, Bicuspid Aortic Foundation. All Rights Reserved. The information on the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation website is provided for general informational purposes only. This information is not professional, legal, or medical advice. Any medications, products, or treatment mentioned are presented as information only and do not constitute any recommendation, approval, or endorsement. Any information is general in nature and is not a substitute for medical care. You should contact a physician or other qualified medical professional for advice about all health-related conditions. The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation, including its officers, directors, volunteers and any others acting on its behalf, individually and collectively, make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the contents of this website, including its accuracy, completeness, or reliability. Any links or references to other websites provided on the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation website are made available as a convenience only. The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation has not reviewed all of the websites linked to this website and is not responsible for the content of these sites or your use of them. |
Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease |
All aortic aneurysm and dissection in the chest |
For families and medical professionals, by families and medical professionals |
Creating a climate of hope, an atmosphere of caring, and a source of information for
all who are touched by thoracic aortic disease and the medical professionals
who care for them. |
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Creating a climate of hope |
BICUSPID AORTIC FOUNDATION |
We Create a Climate of Hope.... |
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Spotlight on TAAD . . . . Creating a Climate of Hope |