Diseases of the Aorta

Introduction:

Aorta is the main artery of the human body, carrying blood from the heart to other parts of the body. This blood leaves through the aortic valve of the heart and then travels through the aorta. Aorta is made of a cane-shaped curve that helps and allows other major arteries to deliver oxygen-rich blood to parts like cells, muscles, and the brain. Aorta consists of three layers: intima, media, and adventitia. When issues and problems arise with the aorta, the blood supply to the entire body is at high risk.

What Is Aortic Disease?

Aortic disease is one of the most common types of cardiovascular disease. The disorders of the aorta mainly affect the aortic artery or the valve present in them, leading to the restricted blood supply to vital organs and this can be extremely life-threatening. The tears of the inner layer of the aorta, aneurysms, and ulcers of the aorta are many diseases conditions of the aorta. The walls of the aorta can become weak, and bulge, split, burst, or block up. 95 percent of aortic aneurysms do not cause any symptoms, and age is a major factor in developing an aortic aneurysm. Regular screening of aortic aneurysms can save many lives prior to the condition becoming life-threatening.

What Are Different Aortic Diseases?

The different types of aortic disease are:

• Aortic Valvular Disease- Narrowing of the valve of the aorta, which may reduce blood flow.

• Traumatic Aortic Disease- A condition where the aorta is torn and ruptured due to trauma.

• Aneurysms- Enlargement of the artery.

• Aortic Dissections- When a blood vessel swells and separates, it is aortic dissection.

• Aortic Arch Syndrome- Chronic disorder where greater arteries result in diminished caliber and insufficient blood supply.

• Aortic insufficiency- Heart valve disease where the aortic valve no longer functions.

• Aortic Penetrating Ulcer- Irregularity on the aortic wall due to the formation of plaque.

• Aortic Occlusive Disease- Type of vein condition in legs.

• Aortitis- Inflammation of the aorta.

• Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease- In this condition, the bicuspid aortic valve has two flaps instead of three, making it narrow and constricted.

• Congenital and Hereditary Aortic Defects- Congenital conditions where the aorta is narrower than normal.

• Traumatic Aortic Injury- Occurs when the aorta is ruptured and damaged due to penetrating or blunt force on the artery.

• Mycotic Aortic Aneurysm (pseudoaneurysm)- It is an infected aortic aneurysm.

• Type A and Type B Aortic Dissections - Type A involves ascending aorta and Type B involves descending aorta.

• Degenerative Aortic Disease- It is a complication that occurs by progressive obstruction of left ventricular outflow and results in pressure overload.

• Aortic Stenosis- It is the narrowing of the valve in aorta of the heart.

• Aortic Intramural Hematoma- A life-threatening aortic disease included with aortic dissection, acute aortic syndrome, and penetrating aortic ulcer.

What Are the Symptoms of the Aortic Disease?

The symptoms of the aortic disease are:

• Most of the aortic disease does not reveal any symptoms, and they are often found in screening for other conditions.

• Pain in my chest can be felt.

• Sudden tearing chest pain in the chest or upper back.

• Shortness of breath.

• Stroke-like symptoms.

• Fainting and dizziness.

• Confusion and Delirium.

• Excess sweating.

• Heart palpitations and murmur.

• Sometimes pain can radiate to the legs.

What Are the Risk Factors Associated With Aortic Disease?

The risk factors associated with the aortic disease are:

• Males are more prone to aortic disease.

• Age: people after the age of 40 years are more prone to aortic disease.

• Family history: Individuals with a family history of heart conditions are more prone to aortic disease.

• Genetic factors.

• Hypertension (blood pressure that is higher than normal).

• Smoking habits.

• The habit of excessive alcohol consumption.

• Hyperlipidemia (excess of lipids and fats in the blood).

• Obesity.

How Is a Diagnosis of Aortic Disease Made?

The diagnosis of aortic diseases is made by Taking a complete medical history and doing a physical examination. The other diagnostic procedures are:

• Computed Tomography Scan: Imaging procedure that uses a combination of computer technology and X-rays to produce images of body tissues and organs.

• Ultrasound: Diagnostic method that uses sound waves to produce images of body tissues.

• Arteriogram: It is an X-ray of the blood vessels. It is used to detect changes in blood vessels, narrowing of blood vessels, and blockages of blood vessels.

• MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging is a technique that is used to generate images using computer-generated radio waves and a high magnetic field.

The size of the individual aortic aneurysm will be taken into consideration for the treatment plan. The smaller the size of the aorta, the more approach with regular testing is. If the aorta is larger in size, surgery is recommended.

What Is the Treatment Provided for Aortic Disease?

Treatment of aortic disease is mainly focused on lowering the risk factors and complications and slowing down the disease progression. Lifestyle changes and medications can help in achieving this. Medications like:

• Antihypertensive Drugs- To manage and control blood pressure.

• Anticoagulants or Antiplatelet Drugs- To avoid blood clots.

• Statins - To control cholesterol.

• Along with medications avoiding high-fat saturated food, drinks with high sugar are recommended.

• Quitting smoking and restricting the use of tobacco products and alcohol is recommended.

• Lowering the salt intake and regular exercise are advised.

If the conditions are not managed by the above methods and result in serious complications, other treatments like:

• Minimal invasive procedures.

• Medications.

• Dialysis.

• Amputation (loss or removal of body part like hand, toe, foot, arm or leg)..

• Surgery.

Conclusion:

Aortic diseases can be more serious and life-threatening. It is associated with high mortality and morbidity, efficient and accurate diagnostic approach is essential improvement for better treatment outcomes. Aortic aneurysm and acute aortic syndromes are most common type if aortic disease. Timely screenings and treatment can avoid the complications that can lead to heart failure. It is more important to prevent the risk of aortic disease and it can be prevented by eating a healthy diet, regularly exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and alcohol consumption, and having a heart-healthy diet. Lifetsyle modification is also an important regimen of the treatment such as weight loss, dietary habits, and smoking cessation.