The aorta is the largest artery in the body that carries oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood to tissues and organs. It starts from the aortic valve in the lower left chamber of the heart and passes first through the chest and then the abdomen. The part located in the thorax and the aorta located in the thoracic abdomen are known as the abdominal aorta. By giving arterial branches to all parts of the body along the course of the aorta, it allows oxygen-rich blood to reach all tissues. Since the aorta is very large and functionally important, the picture that occurs in case of damage is often life-threatening. The aorta functions primarily as a supplier of nutrients and oxygen to organs and tissues. If the blood flow to the affected aorta is interrupted due to vascular diseases, infections or traumas, fatal complications occur in a short time. Complications can be listed as mainly aortic aneurysm (aortic vasodilation), internal bleeding, aortic dissection, kidney failure and stroke (stroke). High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, lung diseases, sleep apnea, tobacco and alcohol use, male gender and stress are among the main risk factors for aortic diseases.
Aortic Aneurysms
Aortic Aneurysms Aneurysm can be described as abnormal enlargement and ballooning due to weakening of the aortic vessel wall. Aortic aneurysms that can be seen in any part of the aorta can be tubular or round in shape. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (abdominal carotid artery disease) and thoracic aortic aneurysm are the main types of aortic aneurysms. In abdominal aortic aneurysm, there is enlargement in the part of the aorta located in the abdomen, while in thoracic aortic aneurysm, there is enlargement in the part of the aorta that lies within the chest. In some cases, both types of aneurysm can be seen together.
The presence of an aortic aneurysm greatly increases the risk of aortic dissection, known as the rupture of the inner layer from the layers of the aorta. The most fatal complications of an aortic aneurysm are rupture of the aneurysm, which leads to severe bleeding when the aneurysm ruptures completely, with dissection, also known as leakage of blood due to separation in the layers of the arterial wall. Known for aortic aneurysms n important risk factors; It is atherosclerosis that develops due to smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and plaque accumulation in the vessels. Some genetically inherited connective tissue diseases such as Marfan Syndrome are also among the risk factors for aortic aneurysm. Since aortic aneurysm is often asymptomatic, its diagnosis can usually be made incidentally. Severe symptoms may occur when aortic aneurysms rupture, and in this case, a picture that can lead to death rapidly if not promptly intervened. Pulsation sensation in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, severe and sudden pain in the abdomen and back, low blood pressure and increased pulse are among the main symptoms of aneurysm rupture. Treatment for aortic aneurysms can be planned as medication or surgery. While drugs are generally preferred to lower blood pressure, the damaged area in the aorta can be repaired surgically. is one. In aortic stenosis, the aortic valves cannot be opened sufficiently and the valve opening is narrow. This prevents blood flow to the aorta, which comes out of the left ventricle of the heart (lower left chamber) and carries clean blood throughout the body, and circulation is impaired. While aortic stenosis is seen as a congenital problem in some people, aortic stenosis that occurs with aging is more common. With increasing age, calcium levels and hardening and narrowing of the heart valve cause a decrease in the amount of blood flowing.
Some people with aortic stenosis may not show any symptoms, unlike patients with aortic dilatation, as they do not develop major limitations in blood flow. Chest pain, high heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness and clouding of consciousness, edema, difficulty in walking and limitation in daily living activities are frequently observed in symptomatic individuals. In patients with aortic stenosis, if symptoms are mild or asymptomatic, regular follow-up and observation is usually sufficient. Echocardiography is used as the imaging method in the follow-up of patients with aortic stenosis. Echocardiography is an ultrasound device that allows image acquisition using sound waves. �equal. In some cases, drug treatments, aortic valve repair or aortic valve replacement surgery may be recommended. Expert opinion and regular controls are important in creating the most accurate and effective treatment plan.
Aortic Vascular Occlusions
Aortic occlusion creates a close clinical picture with aortic stenosis. The level of aortic occlusion determines the patient's symptoms. The obstruction may continue starting from the main vein of the abdomen. Abdominal aortic occlusion (abdominal vein occlusion) is among the aortic occlusions. If the occlusion of the abdominal main vessel is located after the kidney level, patients typically have no inguinal pulse, sexual dysfunction, and severe pain during walking or physical activity. In this case, since the surgery is quite risky, the clogged vessels are usually opened using the angiography technique. In the angiography procedure, a special catheter is inserted into the aorta from the wrist or arm and the obstruction is removed.
Carotid artery disease (carotid artery disease) defines the stenosis or occlusion of the artery in the neck region. In individuals with carotid artery disease, symptoms are not often seen in the early period. In this case, since early diagnosis and treatment planning may not be possible, irreversible and life-threatening complications may occur. Since the blood supply to the brain will be impaired due to the decrease in blood flow in the carotid artery, loss of function in the brain is expected and in some cases this situation is permanent. Temporary or permanent vision loss, impaired speech, paralysis of the arms and legs; It is one of the common symptoms of carotid artery disease. The diagnosis of the disease can be made by computed tomography angiography or color Doppler ultrasonography. In the treatment, open surgical operation defined as carotid endarterectomy or closed procedure known as endovascular method can be applied. In these operations, it is aimed to remove the plaques that cause stenosis in the vessel and to ensure blood flow.
Aortic Dissection
Aortic dissection is a serious picture caused by a tear in the inner part of the aorta. A large amount of blood traveling in the aorta with high pressure passes through the rupture. It causes separation between the layers of the right aorta. The picture is usually fatal when the high volume of blood also crosses the outer layer of the aorta. Aortic dissection is a rare condition and the diagnosis is often delayed because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. If it is recognized and intervened early, the probability of survival of the patient increases.
Aortic dissection symptoms can mimic a heart attack or other heart conditions; but its typical symptoms can be listed as a very severe tearing sensation that usually spreads to the back, chest pain, sudden and severe stomach pain, loss of consciousness and shortness of breath. Uncontrolled high blood pressure and atherosclerosis are the main risk factors. Its complications may include death due to severe bleeding, kidney failure, intestinal and brain damage, stroke, and cardiac tamponade, which is characterized by blood accumulation between the heart and the membrane surrounding the heart. Treatment of aortic dissection is emergency surgery. There are a number of measures that can be taken to prevent aortic dissection. These measures include blood pressure and blood pressure control, avoiding smoking, maintaining an ideal weight, and not interrupting doctor's checkups.
As the aorta is a vessel with indispensable functions for the whole body, it is important to take care of aortic health. Failure to stay away from factors that may adversely affect the health of the vein may cause sudden death as a result of complications. In the presence of serious symptoms and known heart conditions, it is important not to miss the regular doctor's examination. B5 In addition, it is recommended to apply to the nearest health institution in severe symptoms such as severe, tearing pain, sudden pain that has not been experienced before, or clouding of consciousness.
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