Focusing on Bicuspid Aortic Valve

C - Comprehensive, individualized Care

One size does not fit all when it comes to aortic disease. It is

important to be treated as the unique person you are.

In determining the best treatment plan for an individual, a

comprehensive, detailed approach is needed. The conditions that

cause aortic disease are often complex, and there are important

decisions to make about what is best for each individual. You need

to understand and be comfortable with the treatment planned for

you.

Factors such as hypertension, general overall health, strength and

activity level, age, family history, the normal size of the aorta, the

size and location of the aortic aneurysm, the functioning of the

aortic and other heart valves, and whether or not there are

symptoms are all examples of things that are important in looking

at the big picture for each person. Family history also can shed

light on your own situation.

Questions often arise about exercise, sports participation, and

heavy weight lifting (generally heavy weight lifting is prohibited for

those with aortic disease). These should be discussed with each

individual as part of their assessment.

Understanding the underlying cause of aortic disease is important

in planning an individual's care. In patients with bicuspid aortic

valve or a failing trileaflet aortic valve, there are decisions to be

made regarding the repair or replacement of the aortic valve, as

well as the surgical approach for the aortic root and ascending

aorta. However, considerations can be quite different in someone

with an atherosclerotic ascending aortic aneurysm if the aortic

valve is not affected and the aortic root is normal.

It is important to know exactly what applies to you as an individual.

Experienced aortic treatment centers are positioned to provide this

kind of comprehensive assessment and individualized care based

on underlying disease factors.

TAD in the Spotlight

Focusing on Thoracic

Aortic Disease