The aorta is a large vessel that runs from the left ventricle of your heart to your chest and down your abdomen. It is responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood throughout your body, says the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. The ascending aorta (upper portion of your aorta) brings blood to your head while your descending aorta (including a segment called the abdominal aorta) sends oxygenated blood to your lower extremities. Because this vessel is crucial in survival, abdominal aortic diseases require immediate attention.
Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm
Your abdominal aorta may gradually weaken and widen for many years without your knowledge. In fact, no symptoms exist when your abdominal aorta balloons, says MedlinePlus. The exact cause for an abdominal aortic aneurysm is unclear but the risk factors for it are the following: obesity, smoking, hypertension (high blood pressure), heredity, emphysema (type of chronic obstructive lung disease) and being male. Typically, your doctor will find an abdominal aortic aneurysm upon physical examination. Physical findings may include a palpable mass in the stomach, a rigid stomach and pulsations in your stomach. Your doctor will obtain an ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT) scan to visualize and measure your abdominal aorta. If your aorta is greater than 5.5 centimeters in width, your surgeon will repair this aneurysm to prevent an aortic rupture.
Aortic Dissection
An aortic dissection is a medical emergency in which your abdominal aorta ruptures and leaks blood into your stomach cavity. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition is most common in men between 60 and 70 years old. However, anybody is susceptible. Symptoms of an aortic dissection include sudden and excruciating chest pain that moves to your back. Other symptoms include diaphoresis (sweating), high blood pressure, fainting spells, weakness and stroke. Risk factors for an aortic dissection include blockage of your arteries (atherosclerosis), high blood pressure and congenital aortic defects. Additional risk factors include cocaine use, pregnancy and such genetic diseases as Turner's syndrome (a female genetic disorder where you lack a gene), Marfan's syndrome (disease of your connective tissue) and Ehler's Danlos Syndrome (another connective tissue disorder). Surgery is the first line treatment for aortic dissection. However, medications belonging to the class of beta-blockers are available to reduce the stress on your aorta.
Coarctation of the Aorta
According to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, coarctation of the aorta is a condition typically present at birth. Coarctation refers to a narrowing of your aorta. It can occur anywhere, even at the site of your abdominal aorta. Some symptoms of this condition include sweating, cold lower extremities, poor appetite, decreased pulses in your legs or feet and difficulty breathing. Your doctor will obtain various imaging tests such as a chest x-ray, electrocardiogram (measures your hearts electrical conductivity and rhythm) and echocardiogram (ultrasound of your heart). Your doctor may decide to surgically repair this narrowing or place a stent into your blood vessels to widen the narrowed vessel.
Member Comments