WHAT IS AORTIC VESSEL?
The aorta is the body’s largest artery that delivers oxygenated blood from the heart to the entire body. The thick-walled aorta plays a vital role in the healthy functioning of the body’s basic circulatory system. The aortic vessel wall consists of three layers. These layers are the inner layer (intima), the middle layer (media) and the outer layer (adventitia).
WHAT IS AORTIC ANEURYSM?
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Aortic aneurysm is a dilatation of the aortic vessel by more than 50%. Dilatation is referred to when the vessel dilates by up to 50%. As a result of this abnormal dilatation, the aortic vessel wall weakens and the possibility of rupture increases. For this reason, aortic aneurysms are life-threatening conditions that should be followed carefully. There are many causes of aortic aneurysm:
- Congenital connective tissue diseases (Marfan syndrome, Ehler-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome)
- Atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis)
- Hypertension
- Infection
- Trauma
Who is at risk for aortic aneurysm
- Over 65 years old
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- Genetic predisposition (family history of aortic aneurysm)
- High blood lipids
- Male gender
- Atherosclerosis (coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease)
Aneurysms are often asymptomatic and are detected incidentally when being examined for another reason. The most common symptom of symptomatic aneurysms is pain. The pain usually depends on the location of the aneurysm. Aortic aneurysms in the thoracic region may cause vague, stabbing pain in the chest or back. Aortic aneurysms in the abdominal region may cause abdominal pain and low back pain. These pains may be more pronounced especially in case of high blood pressure. Aortic aneurysms that cause pain require serious follow-up and pain that does not go away may be a leading sign for rupture of the aneurysm. Therefore, pain due to aneurysm should be taken seriously.
Aortic aneurysms are named according to their location:
The aorta can be divided into two parts: the thoracic aorta (thoracic aorta) and the abdominal aorta (abdominal aorta).
Thoracic Aortic (Chest Aorta) Aneurysm: The thoracic aorta is located in the chest. It carries blood from the left ventricle of the heart to the brain and arms. This part of the aorta is the part from the aortic root to the diaphragm membrane. The thoracic aorta is also divided into three sections. The part from the heart to the vessels carrying blood to the head and arms is called the ascending aorta, the curved part with the vessels carrying blood to the head and arms is called the arcuate aorta and the part up to the diaphragm membrane and behind the left lung is called the descending aorta.
Abdominal Aorta (Abdominal Aorta) Aneurysm: As a continuation of the thoracic aorta, the aortic vessel enters the abdominal region and is called abdominal aorta. It carries oxygenated blood to the stomach, intestines, liver, legs, spleen, kidneys and tissues. Approximately 75 per cent of aortic aneurysms occur in the abdomen.
There are many risk factors such as smoking, advanced age, genetic factors, high blood pressure, etc. in the formation of aortic aneurysm. It is important for patients with aortic aneurysm to quit smoking, pay attention to the medication intake as recommended by their doctor, do sports and exercises in accordance with the doctor’s recommendation, limit alcohol intake, follow a heart-healthy diet and maintain their weight.
Treatment of aortic aneurysms may vary depending on many determining factors. It may vary depending on the size, location, age and health status of the patient, etc. factors. While aneurysms that have not developed too much can be controlled with doctor follow-up, surgery or endovascular stent procedures may be required for large aneurysms. If you have symptoms of aortic aneurysm, it is extremely important to consult a cardiovascular surgeon and start the treatment process early.
