During that operation, my Dilated Ascending Aorta was also replaced with a graft. An interesting 2009 article on Ascending Aortic Dilatation Associated With Bicuspid Aortic Valve tackles numerous causes/effects for the condition through syndromes, diseases, and enzymes, but as an engineer at heart (no pun intended... ), could pressure exerted onto the aorta arch have also played a part? In fluid dynamics, the Bernoulli's Principle states that 'an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in static pressure or a decrease in the fluid's potential energy' (meaning, pressure is inversely proportional to velocity). Applying that principle to my calcified valve, it can be hypothesized that my minimal orifice opening would cause the blood to shoot through the valve with greater velocity, not unlike a garden hose spraying water with a force when the nozzle diameter is restricted. Yes, it’s only 3psi, but imagine that restriction squirting blood into my ascending aorta at 60-70 times per minute (Beats per Minute) throughout my lifetime. Google aortic valve replacement and you will often find the ascending aorta being replaced as well. Coincidence, or is there something more to this phenomenon? If there haven’t been quantitative empirical studies done on this, there should be, because from what I found, I am not the only one with these fortuitous conditions.