Do you have questions about family planning, IVF/PGD, or pregnancy with genetic aortic disease? Have you or a close family member suffered an aortic dissection, or have been diagnosed (or suspect to be diagnosed) with a genetic/heritable/familial aortic disease?

GADA Canada and the John Ritter Foundation hosted an informative webinar that addresses the intersection of reproductive health and genetic aortic disease. Watch the replay to gain a comprehensive understanding of how individuals with aortic conditions can navigate the complex decisions surrounding reproductive care and safeguard their aortic health.

Our speakers provided invaluable insight, guidance, and the latest research findings to empower you to make informed choices or manage risks related to aortic dissection during a pregnancy. This webinar is intended for prospective parents, reproduction donors and anyone with or at-risk for genetic aortic disease or heritable thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:

Dr. Sara Thorne MBBS, MD, FRCP, DRCPSC
Associate Professor of Medicine University of Toronto

Dr. Sara Thorne joined the Toronto Adult Congenital Heart Disease program in 2019 after 20 years in practice at University Hospital Birmingham UK where she established the regional Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit and a renowned Obstetric Cardiology Program with Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She has published widely in the field and collaborated closely with UK national bodies, working to improve cardiovascular maternal morbidity and mortality. Her areas of expertise are Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy, Aortopathy, and general Adult Congenital Heart Disease. Dr. Thorne is on the Professional Advisory Board (PAB) for GADA Canada.

Gretchen MacCarrick, MS, CGC
Gretchen MacCarrick is a board-certified genetic counselor in the Department of Genetic Medicine at Johns Hopkins. She has worked in the Cardiovascular Connective Tissue Clinic since 2001, with activities surrounding both patient care and clinical research initiatives. She is co-founder of the Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation and a member of the Professional Advisory Board for the Marfan Foundation. She is co-author the book, Life with Aortic Disease: Caring for Your Mental Health, funded by The John Ritter Foundation.

EVENT DISCLAIMER: The contents of this GADA Canada hosted virtual event, such as presentations, discussions, text, graphics, images, and other materials created or presented by GADA Canada and by others appearing in the event at the invitation of GADA Canada are for educational and informational purposes only. GADA Canada is a voluntary health organization and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or recommendations on diagnosis or treatment of genetic aortic disorders. The content within this virtual event or the GADA website, www.gadacanada.ca, should not replace necessary consultations with qualified health care professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Genetic aortic disorders are complex, multi-system disorders that can only be properly diagnosed and managed by skilled and trained health care professionals. The manifestations and severity of these disorders vary greatly among individuals and require personalized medical management. None of the medications, courses of treatment or lifestyle & activity recommendations discussed in this virtual event should be undertaken without being discussed with your physician.