Aortic Artery

Understanding Aortic Artery Health

What is the Aorta?

The aorta is the largest artery in the human body, responsible for transporting oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Originating from the left ventricle of the heart, it ascends and arches over the heart and then descends through the chest (thoracic aorta) and into the abdomen (abdominal aorta), branching off into smaller arteries that supply blood to vital organs and tissues.

Aortic Diseases

Aortic diseases can significantly impact cardiovascular health and may include:

Aortic Aneurysm:

It is the enlargement of the Aortic artery due to the weakening of its wall. It could happen in the chest or the abdomen, but most commonly in the last part of the Aorta.

Causes:

High blood pressure, smoking, and some genetic connective tissue disorders make dissections more likely to occur.

Treatment;

Enlargement of the Aorta beyond 5.5cm mandates intervention because of the high risk of rupture, which leads to death. The majority of cases are diagnosed by radiology imaging for another complaint. If it becomes symptomatic, it’s an emergency, indicating rupture. The appropriate modality of Aortic Aneurysm repair selection depends on the patient's age and gender, the size and anatomy of the Aorta, and the facilities and cost.

It’s advisable for men above 65 years of age, smokers, or have first-degree relatives to get an Aortic ultrasound for screening.

Aortic dissection

It is a tear between the aorta's innermost and middle layers. As a result, the blood accumulates between the layers, resulting in the inner layer ballooning towards the inside, obstructing blood flow to the Aorta. Both men and women are affected by Aortic dissection, which may compromise blood flow to your kidneys, liver, bowels, and legs. This condition is called malperfusion and can cause kidney failure, paralysis, and a lack of blood flow to the legs. Aortic dissections can also cause your aorta to rupture, which may lead to life-threatening bleeding.

Causes:

High blood pressure, smoking, and some genetic connective tissue disorders make dissections more likely to occur.

Treatments:

Treatment of aortic dissections depends on the type of dissection. Type A (ascending) dissections involve the first part of the Aorta as it leaves the heart. As a result, emergency surgery is required because if left untreated, it cuts the blood supply into the coronary arteries of the heart.

Type B (descending) dissections occur in the aorta elsewhere in the chest and abdomen.
Acute type B is treated by controlling the blood pressure, relieving the pain, and perfusing the organs. If the dissection is chronic, it may cause an enlargement (aneurysm) of the aorta. Depending on the circumstances, minimally invasive stent grafts or open surgery can be required. Emergency treatment is needed if you are experiencing a lack of blood flow to an organ or a limb or bleeding. Usually, treatment is an endovascular stent graft, a minimally invasive procedure to reline the torn aorta and repair the dissection..