Atherosclerotic Aortic Aneurysm: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Atherosclerotic aortic aneurysm (a. aortae atheroscleroticum) is a serious disease characterized by enlargement of the aorta, the main artery responsible for transporting blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This condition occurs as a result of the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque on the walls of the aorta, which leads to their weakening and stretching. In this article we will look at the causes, symptoms and treatment methods for atherosclerotic aortic aneurysm.
The causes of atherosclerotic aortic aneurysm may be associated with a number of factors. One of the main risk factors is atherosclerosis, a chronic disease characterized by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the inner surface of the arteries. The accumulation of cholesterol and other fatty substances leads to a gradual thickening of the walls of the aorta and the possible formation of blood clots. As a result, the artery becomes more susceptible to stretching and the risk of developing an aneurysm.
Symptoms of an atherosclerotic aortic aneurysm may not be noticeable in the initial stages of the disease. However, as the size of the aneurysm increases, the following signs and symptoms may occur:
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Abdominal or back pain: Pain may be felt in the lower back or abdomen.
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Pulsatile swelling: Palpation of the abdomen may reveal a pulsatile tumor caused by dilatation of the aorta.
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Brief loss of consciousness: In rare cases, the patient may experience fainting or brief loss of consciousness.
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Breathing problems: Patients with atherosclerotic aortic aneurysm may experience breathing problems and shortness of breath.
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Chest pain: Some patients may experience chest pain that resembles symptoms of heart failure or angina.
If you suspect an atherosclerotic aortic aneurysm, you should consult a doctor for diagnostic tests. Various examination methods are commonly used, including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to determine the size of the aneurysm and its location.
Treatment for atherosclerotic aortic aneurysm depends on the size and symptoms of the disease. Small aneurysms with little risk of rupture can be monitored by a doctor, with regular medical examinations to monitor their size. However, if aneurysms are large or symptomatic, surgery may be required.
Surgical treatment of atherosclerotic aortic aneurysm can include two main methods: open surgery and endovascular treatment. In open surgery, doctors replace the dilated section of the aorta and strengthen the artery walls. Endovascular treatment, on the other hand, involves inserting a special stent or graft through a vascular access to strengthen the walls of the aorta and prevent it from rupturing.
Constant observation and monitoring of the condition of an atherosclerotic aortic aneurysm are important parts of treatment. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and exercising regularly.
In conclusion, atherosclerotic aortic aneurysm is a serious condition that requires attention and treatment. Early detection, diagnosis and determination of the optimal treatment are key to the successful management of this condition. Regular follow-up with your doctor and following healthy lifestyle recommendations will help reduce risks and maintain a healthy aorta.
Aortic aneurysm is a common disease that is characterized by dilation and protrusion of the aortic wall due to a violation of its elasticity and strength. The most common cause of aortic aneurysm is vascular atherosclerosis, in which plaques containing cholesterol and other lipids form on the vessel wall. These plaques can break down, causing the vessel to narrow and impede blood flow, leading to an aneuryma (widening) of the aortic wall.
An aortic artery aneurysm may be asymptomatic or cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, and pain in the heart area. In some cases, the aneurysmal process can lead to the formation of blood clots or rupture of the vessel wall.
Treatment of aortic aneuryses is carried out by a surgeon using various techniques depending on the stage of the disease. If the symptoms of the disease do not appear and the size of the aneurymal sac is small, then conservative therapy can be carried out aimed at stabilizing the process and preventing further expansion of the vessel. If there are signs of ruptures and a high risk of thromboembolism, then emergency hospitalization and surgical intervention are necessary.
During surgery, the surgeon removes the aneursm, removes cholesterol deposits, and restores the integrity of the vessel wall using special techniques such as angioplasty or stent placement. Also, after surgery, patients must take medications to lower blood cholesterol levels and prevent further development of atherosclerosis.
In general, a vessel aneurysm is a serious disease that requires timely and qualified treatment, as it can lead not only to a deterioration in the patient’s quality of life, but also to the development of dangerous complications such as bleeding, stroke, rupture of the aneurysmal sac, or thromboembolic syndrome. Therefore, if you suspect an aortic aneurysm or have already encountered this disease, do not put off your visit to the doctor until later, as timely diagnosis and treatment will improve your quality of life and avoid unwanted complications.