It's Aortic Disease Awareness Month and today is about Genetic Testing/Research.
Many individuals in the community ask the question "Why Do Families Need Genetic Screening?'
Genetic testing can seem complicated and overwhelming. Making the decision is a very personal one that should be discussed with you, your family and physician.
Here is a brief summary from Aortic Dissection: The Family Guide, pages 85-89:
"As discussed in Part A, some people have a genetic predisposition
to aortic dissection, and this can therefore run in your family. If you have had a dissection at a relatively young age, (typically age 60),
or if you have additional findings that may suggest a genetic
syndrome, it is particularly important to find out if there are any genetic factors involved, and whether
any of your relatives may be affected. This is sometimes called
genetic ‘screening’.
Your hospital team or PCP can refer you for genetic counseling and
consideration of genetic testing. You may need to travel; however, if there are no
genetics clinics in your area, there are remote genetic counseling
services available as well. During your consultation, experts
In genetics will discuss your aortic dissection, take a family history
and, if a genetic cause is suspected, arrange for screening.
The plan may involve genetic testing and/or imaging (i.e., CT/MRI or echocardiogram) for
you and/or other family members. For those
without a known aneurysm or dissection, it is important to discuss the implications
of a positive genetic test or abnormal imaging test, especially
as it relates to life and disability insurance."
To read more about genetic screening, download a copy of the guide here and check out pages 85-89.