Dilated Aortic Root Progression: A Concern for Desmond?
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: November 24, 2025
I recently jumped on a Zoom with Desmond, a 33-year-old patient from Ireland who was just diagnosed with a dilated aortic root. Given the life-threatening concerns of aortic aneurysms, Desmond had several important questions. One of those questions was, "Will my dilated aortic root progress to need surgery?"
Dr. Luis Castro & Desmond
To provide Desmond an expert opinion, I was very lucky to interview Dr. Luis Castro about this very sensitive topic. As you may know, Dr. Castro is a long-time supporter of this website who has successfully treated over 200 heart valve patients from our community. Here is Dr. Castro's response to Desmond's question:
Video available online at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPkOJD8O5-g
Many thanks to Desmond for his question and many thanks to Dr. Luis Castro for sharing his clinical insights and research with our patient community.
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
Patient & Website Founder
Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder
Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.
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Blog Categories
- Adam's Updates
- Aneurysms
- Aortic Stenosis
- Aortic Valve Repair
- Aortic Valve Replacement
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Before Surgery
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve
- Heart Valve Replacement
- Medical Technology
- Mitral Regurgitation
- Mitral Valve Repair
- Patient Stories
- Pulmonary Valve
- Recovery
- Ross Procedure
- Surgeons & Hospitals
- Tricuspid Valve
Blog Categories
- Adam's Updates
- Aneurysms
- Aortic Stenosis
- Aortic Valve Repair
- Aortic Valve Replacement
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Before Surgery
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve
- Heart Valve Replacement
- Medical Technology
- Mitral Regurgitation
- Mitral Valve Repair
- Patient Stories
- Pulmonary Valve
- Recovery
- Ross Procedure
- Surgeons & Hospitals
- Tricuspid Valve
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Dr. Castro is a world-renowned heart valve surgeon that has performed over 5,000 heart valve operations that include minimally-invasive techniques.
The Patient's Guide
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Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Castro is a world-renowned heart valve surgeon that has performed over 5,000 heart valve operations that include minimally-invasive techniques.
The Patient's Guide
This book has helped over 47,000 patients and caregivers from diagnosis to recovery.