[StayoutdaBushesWay]

If you've been or are a smoker, have had hypertension, and between 55-70 years old, please get screened. I would even suggest younger if you've had long term uncontrolled high blood pressure (IMHO). If you've been diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve in your life get screened regularly. I studied this in Cardiac Sonography school, and believe me this isn't something to mess around with. All it takes is a simple ultrasound and that could save your life.
They can catch it while it's still a dissection and repair it before it becomes an aneurysm.

[Oldexpat]

If you walked into an clinic..what would this ultra sound scan of your heart cost? Cash..no insurance?

[StayoutdaBushesWay]

There were several other factors I left out, but if you have any disease that involves the aorta, i.e., aortic insufficiency (regurgitation), aortic stenosis, etc. Please make sure you see your doctor on a regular basis.
I had a relative who died that didn't take it serious enough.

[spokeshave]

If you've been or are a smoker, have had hypertension, and between 55-70 years old,

Yes and Spokeshave is OK after ultrasound view.

[LukeL]

I have regular echoes because I was on Adriamycin, I am lucky there was no heart damage at all. Also luckily there is no heart disease in my family, I have low BP and a tota cholestorol of 130 with low tryglycerides.

[Carley]

Since he was a frequent flyer I suspect he was on blood thinners which impeded the normal clotting that would have been necessary following the first operation.

[seoul62]

Is there not a test that checks the blood vessels in your entire body?

[Bob]

All it takes is a simple ultrasound and that could save your life. They can catch it while it's still a dissection and repair it before it becomes an aneurysm.

Is this sort of problem detectable by an echo cardiogram or are you referring to a different ultrasound procedure?

[Arrowhead1952]

If you've been diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve in your life get screened regularly.

I have a bicuspid aortic valve and have an annual ultrasound done. I am also on BP meds to keep the aorta from expanding. It has actually gotten closer to normal the past few years.