WHAT IS AN AORTIC ANEURYSM?
The aorta, the largest blood vessel, pumps oxygenated blood throughout the body. An aortic aneurysm is a condition in which the walls of the aorta bulges.
Depending on the location, aortic aneurysms are categorised into two:
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm (chest)
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (abdomen)
SILENT SYMPTOMS OF AN AORTIC ANEURYSM
- Chest or back pain
- Severe cough
- Harsh throat
- Breathing troubles
- Low blood pressure
- Trouble while swallowing
The growth rate of an aortic aneurysm is unpredictable. Its symptoms can often be mistaken for temporary illness. So if you experience a combination of any of these symptoms, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
WHY SHOULD AN ANEURYSM BE REMOVED?
- There are possibilities of blood leakage inside your body.
- It forces the blood to flow away from your organs, which leads to heart attack, kidney damage, stroke, and even death.
- It increases your risk of developing a tear in the aorta
- In rare cases, it can even burst!
HOW TO DIAGNOSE AN AORTIC ANEURYSM?
Most of the time, aortic aneurysm are suspected through routine physical examinations or X-rays. Once an aneurysm is suspected, it may take an ultrasound scan, CT scan or an MRI to diagnose it.
HOW TO FIX AN AORTIC ANEURYSM?
The main objective of treating an aortic aneurysm is to either keep it from developing or to remove before it bursts. Generally, your treatment options are medication or surgeries. Your doctor’s decision relies upon the size of an aortic aneurysm and how quickly it’s developing.
Dr Mahadevan Ramachandran, a cardiac surgeon with over 15 years of independent experience in the premier hospitals of Kerala. He is currently working as Chief Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at the following hospitals:
Total Cardiac Care, Thiruvananthapuram
Cosmopolitan Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram
Azeezia Medical College, Kollam
NIMS Medicity, Neyyantinkara
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