Mildly Dilated Aortic Root

[Nilacan]

Just had an Echo Cardiograph, as part of a routine health check. Result shows Aorta 41mm, every other test result either 'Normal' or well within accepted limits. Final diagnosis is 'Mildly Dilated Aortic Root'. A similar Echo done in 2002 showed Aorta at 37mm.
I am now 61 years old, with no symptoms of diabetes or elevated blood pressure - long term ave blood pressure ranges between 100/70 and 110/80. I am fairly athetlic - play tennis and jog about 25 km per week. Mild social beer drinker.
Do I need to worry about Aorta dilation, specially progression from 37 mm in 2002 to 41 mm in 2011?
Do I need to cut down athletic activity?
Grateful for some feedback.
Many thanks,  Nila

[papstylez]

Mt son is 11yrs old,5'10, 47 kg. was born with congenital heart disease, Taussig-Bing type heart, with an aortic arc repair with arterial switch operation and VSD closure. His latest MRI showed that his severly dilated aorta has increased from37-38mm to 41-mm in like 6mths. The function of the pumping chambers, the ventricles, is slightly reduced from normal but not alarmingly, so the doctors say. Doctors say they dont think there is need for surgical intervention but clearly need to watch his aortic root carefully over the coming years. We live in New Zealand and the doctors say they end to consider a repair at 50mm. my issue is, why does my son have to wait till he gets really sick before they do anything when they know how quickly this aorta is increasing vastly. Anyone out there have any clue or gone thru something similar...be vey helpful xo

[Doplar]

I have a similar situation. I am 54 years old. My Aorta in 1997 was 4.0mm, 2004 - 3.9mm and 2010 - 4.0. As you can see reports can vary slightly. Asked my cardiologist the same thing. His reply was: because there is little or no change in over 10 years he is not that concerned about it. Like yourself I am in good shape. I run and lift weights and usually stay within  10lbs of my ideal weight. He suggested to scale back on heavy weight lifting. Probably because of the increased blood pressure and stress it puts on your Aorta. He also told me that they do not consider replacing the valve until it dilates much bigger. Your doctor will probably do another Echo on you within a year to see if it has changed. Your BP is great mine usually averages slightly higher at 120/67. Something else he considered was my body size being 6'2", 198lbs could result in a slightly bigger Aorta. You should be fine just get it monitored on a regular basis. Make sure you get your questions answered by your doctor. Did you have any regurgitation?