The aorta is the largest artery in the body, carrying oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood to tissues and organs. It starts from the lower left chamber of the heart, from the aortic valve, and passes first through the chest and then the abdomen. The part located in the chest is known as the aorta, and the part of the aorta located in the thoracic abdomen is known as the abdominal aorta. The aorta gives arterial branches to all parts of the body along its course, allowing oxygen-rich blood to reach all tissues. Since the aorta is very large and functionally important, the situation that occurs in case of damage is often life-threatening. The aorta functions primarily as a provider of nutrients and oxygen to organs and tissues. If blood flow to the affected aorta is interrupted due to reasons such as vascular diseases, infections or trauma, fatal complications occur in a short time. Complications can be listed mainly as aortic aneurysm (aortic vasodilatation), internal bleeding, aortic dissection, kidney failure and paralysis (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 aneurysm can be described as abnormal enlargement and ballooning due to weakening of the aortic vessel wall. Aortic aneurysms, which can be seen in any part of the aorta, may be tube-shaped or round in shape. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (abdominal carotid artery disease) and thoracic aortic aneurysm are the main types of aortic aneurysms encountered. In abdominal aortic aneurysm, there is enlargement of the part of the aorta located in the abdomen, while in thoracic aortic aneurysm, there is enlargement of the part of the aorta located in the chest. In some cases, both types of aneurysms can be seen together. The presence of an aortic aneurysm greatly increases the risk of aortic dissection, which is the tearing of the inner layer of the aortic artery . Dissection, also known as the leakage of blood due to separation in the layers of the artery wall, and aneurysm rupture, which causes serious bleeding when the aneurysm bursts completely, are the most fatal complications of aortic aneurysm. Known important risk factors for aortic aneurysms: It is a hardening of the arteries (Atherosclerosis) that develops due to smoking , high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and plaque accumulation in the vessels. Some genetic connective tissue diseases, such as Marfan Syndrome, are also among the risk factors for aortic aneurysm. Since aortic aneurysm often does not show symptoms, its diagnosis can usually be made incidentally. When aortic aneurysms rupture, severe symptoms may occur, and if urgent intervention is not given, a situation that can quickly lead to death may occur. Feeling of a pulse 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 medications are generally preferred to lower blood pressure, the damaged area in the aorta can be repaired surgically.
Aortic Stenosis
Aortic stenosis (aortic stenosis) is one of the common and serious problems among heart valve diseases. In aortic stenosis, the aortic valves cannot open sufficiently and the valve opening is narrow. This condition blocks blood flow to the aorta, which originates from the left ventricle of the heart (lower left chamber) and carries clean blood to the whole 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. Increasing calcium levels with aging 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 artery dilation, because they do not develop major restrictions in blood flow. Chest pain, high heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness and confusion, edema, walking difficulty and limitation in daily living activities are frequently observed in symptomatic people . In patients with aortic stenosis, if the symptoms are mild or do not show any symptoms, regular follow-up and observation are usually sufficient. Echocardiography is used as a follow-up imaging method in patients with aortic stenosis. Echocardiography is a type of ultrasound device that allows images to be obtained using sound waves. In some cases, drug treatments, aortic valve repair or aortic valve replacement surgeries may be recommended. Expert opinion and regular check-ups are important in creating the most accurate and effective treatment plan.
Aortic Vascular Occlusions
Aortic vascular occlusion creates a clinical picture similar to aortic stenosis. The level of obstruction in the aorta determines the symptoms seen in the patient. The obstruction may continue, starting from the main abdominal vein. Abdominal aortic occlusion (abdominal vascular occlusion) is among the aortic occlusions. If the abdominal main vein occlusion is located after the kidney level, patients typically cannot have a groin pulse, experience sexual dysfunction, and experience severe pain during walking or physical activity. In this case, since the surgery is quite risky, the blocked vessels are usually opened using the angiography technique. In short, during the angiography procedure, a special catheter is inserted into the aorta from the wrist or arm and the obstruction is removed.
Jugular vein disease (carotid artery disease) describes the stenosis or occlusion of the artery in the neck area. Individuals with carotid artery disease often have no symptoms in the early stages. In this case, there may be no chance for early diagnosis and treatment planning, and 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, speech impairment, paralysis of arms and legs; It is among the common symptoms of carotid artery disease. The diagnosis of the disease can be made by computed tomography angiography or color Doppler ultrasonography . Treatment may include an open surgical operation, defined as carotid endarterectomy, or a closed procedure, known as the endovascular method. These operations aim to remove the plaques that cause stenosis in the veins and restore blood flow.
Aortic Dissection
Aortic dissection is a serious condition caused by a tear in the inner part of the aorta. A large amount of blood traveling within the aorta under high pressure passes through the rupture, causing separation between the aortic layers. When high volume blood passes through the outer layer of the aorta, the condition is usually fatal. Aortic dissection is a rare condition and diagnosis is often delayed because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. If diagnosed and intervened early, the patient’s probability of survival increases.
Aortic dissection symptoms can mimic a heart attack or other heart conditions; However, its typical symptoms can be listed as a very severe tearing sensation radiating 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. Complications may include death due to severe bleeding, kidney failure, intestinal and brain damage, stroke, and cardiac tamponade, which is characterized by the accumulation of blood between the membrane surrounding the heart and the heart. Treatment for 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 ideal weight and not skipping doctor’s check-ups.
Since the aorta is a vessel with indispensable functions for the entire body, it is important to take care of aortic health. Failure to stay away from factors that may negatively affect the health of the veins may cause sudden death as a result of complications. It is important not to neglect regular medical examination in the presence of serious symptoms and known heart diseases. B5 In addition, it is recommended to consult the nearest healthcare institution in case of serious symptoms such as severe, tearing pain, sudden pain of a severity that has not been experienced before, or confusion.
