Aortic Disease at AHN
AHN’s Aortic Disease Program is home to a diverse group of physicians who specialize in the treatment of aortic disease. Our specialists include cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and aortic pathologists. They are also involved in research to advance the field. In addition to their expertise in treating aortic disease, our specialists are active researchers.
What is the cause of aortic disease?
There are many conditions affecting the aorta, the main artery of the human body that provides oxygenated blood to all the vital organs. If this artery becomes diseased, it can jeopardize the entire body’s blood supply and quickly turn into a serious medical emergency. The aorta begins at the root of the heart and hooks down the spine, where it delivers blood to the arms, brain, spinal cord, visceral organs, and other vital organs.
In many cases, the walls of the aorta become weak and can rupture. This can lead to aneurysms, which are life-threatening. While the vast majority of people who develop aortic aneurysms do not show any symptoms, detecting and treating them early can help prevent heart failure and save lives.
Early diagnosis of an aortic aneurysm is the most important step in the treatment process. If diagnosed in its early stages, an aortic aneurysm can be treated with surgery or medication.
What are the symptoms of aorta problems?
Aortic disease is a term that covers a variety of conditions that can affect the aorta, the main artery in the human body that provides oxygenated blood to all of the body’s vital organs. When this vital artery is damaged, the blood supply to the entire body is compromised, and aortic disease can quickly lead to a serious medical emergency. The aorta starts at the root of the heart and hooks down into the chest and abdomen, providing oxygenated blood to the brain, spinal cord, and other vital organs.
Aortic disease can occur from a number of different causes, including genetic conditions and autoimmune disorders. Sometimes, it can even result from a traumatic injury. People with high blood pressure or a history of cigarette smoking are at increased risk for developing this condition, and medical treatment includes medication and lifestyle changes. Surgery can also be an effective treatment for aortic disease.
When aortic aneurysms rupture, it can cause severe internal bleeding. It is life-threatening, but the good news is that the condition is curable with the right treatment. If you suspect you have an aneurysm, call a doctor immediately.
Is aortic disease curable?
Aortic disease is a broad term for conditions that affect the aorta, which is the main artery in the human body and provides oxygenated blood to all vital organs. If untreated, it can quickly lead to life-threatening complications. The aorta begins at the heart and hooks down the spine before sending blood to the arms, legs, brain, spinal cord, and visceral organs.
An aortic aneurysm is an abnormality of the aorta that causes increased blood pressure. It can grow to a very large size and even tear through the wall, causing leakage and sometimes even death. If detected early, aortic aneurysm treatment can be life-saving and prevent many complications and even death. AHN’s Aortic Disease Clinic offers coordinated care for patients with aortic disease.
Treatment for aortic disease involves lifelong medical treatment and lifestyle changes. Blood pressure levels should be kept within the normal range of 105 to 110. Long-acting beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers are common medications used to treat high blood pressure. Some patients may also need low-dose diuretics. However, it is important to note that long-acting ACE inhibitors are only appropriate for people without a history of allergies or other contraindications.
What are the types of aortic disease?
Aortic disease is a potentially life-threatening condition. It causes bleeding from the aorta and can kill patients. If left untreated, a patient’s chance of death can increase by one percent to three percent per hour. As a result, it is important to get immediate medical attention for any symptoms. Emergency rooms often have critical care transport teams available to transfer patients to specialized centers.
Treatment for aortic disease varies depending on the type. Surgical procedures may be required. There are many advanced treatment options available, and many of these methods can be life-saving. The UCLA Aortic Center is one of the top centers in the world for aortic disease treatment, and its cutting-edge diagnostics help ensure accurate diagnoses.
The aorta is the largest artery in the body, carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It begins at the root of the heart and curves upward into the chest and abdomen, splitting into two arteries for each leg. From there, other arteries branch out to the upper body, the kidneys, and the intestines. When these arteries begin to rupture, they can cause severe problems.
What is the treatment for aortic disease?
Aortic disease is a group of different conditions that affect the aorta, the main artery in the human body that supplies oxygenated blood to all of the body’s vital organs. When this artery becomes clogged or damaged, the blood supply to the entire body is compromised. This can quickly lead to a medical emergency. The aorta starts at the root of the heart and hooks down the spine to provide blood to the brain, spinal cord, and visceral organs.
Symptoms of aortic disease include chest pain and sudden weakness on one side. If left untreated, aortic disease can lead to death. A doctor can evaluate patients for surgery to repair the aorta. During an examination, a doctor can look for signs and symptoms of aortic disease and determine if the patient is a good candidate for surgery.
Surgical treatments for aortic disease can involve open chest surgery or minimally invasive techniques. Surgical methods may include placing a stent or a valve graft. Open repair may require a chest cut, but less invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacement can use smaller incisions. This treatment may be the right option for patients with a higher risk of heart valve surgery complications.
How is aortic disease diagnosed?
The first step in diagnosing aortic disease is making an appointment with your health care provider. Make sure to ask them about your medical history and any symptoms you are experiencing. Your health care provider may also listen to your heart with a stethoscope to detect any heart murmurs. If a murmur is detected, the health care provider may refer you to a cardiologist. Your health care provider may also order an echocardiogram, a test that creates pictures of your heart in motion. This test can determine the severity of the disease and its cause.
A CT scan is another option for diagnosing an aortic aneurysm. These images can help determine the size and location of the aneurysm. Your health care provider may also order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or an angiogram.
How is aortic disease prevented?
There are various risk factors that increase your risk of developing aortic aneurysm, including smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Fortunately, most of these factors are modifiable and can be prevented with lifestyle changes. Getting regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk for blood pressure and inflammation. Dietary changes such as lowering saturated fat and cholesterol can also lower your risk of developing vascular disease. You should also keep stress levels down.
One of the best ways to prevent aortic disease is to monitor your blood pressure. If it is high, it can weaken the middle and inner layers of the aorta, causing an aortic dissection. In the event of an aortic dissection, treatment is usually immediate surgery or stenting.
A good diet helps prevent heart disease and the formation of plaque in the arteries. Try to eat at least three to five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Eat 2 servings of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids every week. Use healthy oils and whole grains in your cooking. A daily exercise routine is also helpful in preventing Aortic Aneurysm. You should also avoid smoking, as quitting can lower your risk exponentially.
Is walking good for aortic aneurysm?
The answer to the question is, yes. In fact, walking can help a person with an aortic aneurysm recover faster. However, patients should still monitor their aneurysm closely, as it can become much larger. They should also have regular imaging tests to check for changes. They should also maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes controlling blood pressure.
Physical activity has several health benefits, including a decreased risk of hypertension, which is a risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm. It also reduces the risk of other vascular problems, such as heart failure and stroke. However, studies that have looked at the relationship between physical activity and aneurysm risk have found mixed results. Some have found a definite link, while others have found an inverse association.
Moderate exercise, such as walking, traveling, and doing housework, can all help prevent an aneurysm. However, it is not recommended to lift more than half of your body weight on a regular basis. Also, if you’re experiencing symptoms of an aneurysm, it is important to consult with your doctor before engaging in any physical activity.