After Your Appointment Thoracic aortic disease and those who have it are complex. A thorough evaluation takes time and will result in a comprehensive understanding for both the doctor(s) and the individual. Listed below, in no particular order, are things that you should know following your consultation. Several tests and office visits may be needed, but at the conclusion of an evaluation, you should understand: Your Aorta: • The normal size of your aorta • The size and location of any aortic enlargement • Is coarctation present? Your Heart: • How well your BAV (or TAV) is working; is it leaking? how well is it opening? • How well your other heart valves are working • If there are any other heart conditions that need treatment Your Medication: • What new medicine you have been given, and how to take it • Any changes to your existing medicine Your Tests: • What the test results show • If additional tests are needed soon, what the tests are, and what they measure If You Need Surgery: • What surgery will include, and how soon it is needed • What the risks of surgery are in that center, with that surgeon (% of deaths, % of injuries, % of infection) • What the risk of waiting and not having surgery is Your Diet and Lifestyle: • What changes you must make in your exercise routine, your diet, and your life style Your Next Steps: • When you should have your next appointment, and with which doctor(s) • What to do if you have questions or need help prior to your next planned appointment • When you should have your next follow up tests, and what those tests are for • How to contact a coordinator, local support group, and any other resources to help you • What to do if you experience chest or back pain, or other symptoms Important Things to Know It is helpful to know some important information about yourself or your loved one. Following is an example of some things that you should know. Some of the information below may not apply to those who have already had valve repair or replacement. A list something like this is also convenient for sharing with health care professionals. • List of medications you take (how much, how often) • Average non-exercise blood pressure and pulse (for example, blood pressure 105/60, pulse 55) • Date of your last echocardiogram • Aortic Valve • Is it bicuspid or trileaflet? • Is there stenosis? (Mild, moderate, or severe?) • Is there regurgitation? (Mild, moderate, or severe?) • Mitral Valve • Is there regurgitation? (Mild, moderate, or severe?) • Date of your last aortic CT or MRI scan • Normal size of your aorta • Size (in centimeters) and location (ascending, arch, or descending) of your aortic aneurysm (or enlargement).

BAV is Common It is very likely that you know someone with BAV. It could even exist in your family or extended family without you knowing about it.

BAV & TAD Programs

Generally you should be

able to arrange a

consultation at an aortic

treatment center by simply

contacting them.

When you contact an aortic disease center you should expect a prompt, compassionate response from someone who will guide you through the evaluation process there.