Aortic aneurysms are the dilation of the main blood vessel, the aorta, which carries blood from the heart to the entire body.
It affects approximately 2 to 3 percent of the population, but the risk increases with certain factors such as atherosclerosis (buildup of cholesterol in the blood vessels), hypertension, and generic deficiency in certain patients.
"Aortic aneurysms represent a critical but under-recognized health problem that ranks as the third leading cause of sudden cardiac death, behind heart attacks and cardiac arrests," said Niranjan Hiremath, senior consultant cardiovascular and aortic surgeon at Indraprastha Hospital. Apollo, New York. Delhi, he told IANS.
"When the wall of the aorta weakens, it can dilate to two or even three times its normal diameter, creating a significant risk of sudden rupture, which can lead to immediate death or lead to aortic dissections, another serious complication," he added.
In India, awareness of cardiac risks predominantly revolves around heart attacks and cardiac arrests, but the dangers posed by aortic aneurysms have not received comparable attention.
"The lack of awareness is concerning, especially considering that about 75 percent of aortic aneurysms are asymptomatic and go undetected until they present a sudden, life-threatening emergency. These aneurysms are often discovered incidentally during examinations. for other medical conditions," Niranjan said. .
"Most intact aortic aneurysms do not cause symptoms. As they increase in size, symptoms such as abdominal pain and back pain may develop. If left untreated, aneurysms tend to grow progressively and can present life-threatening complications," he added. Shiv Choudhary, CEO. Adult Cardiovascular and Vascular Surgery, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla Road, New Delhi.
Aneurysms can develop in any segment of the aorta, but most commonly affect the abdominal aorta. Experts noted that genetic predispositions, trauma or infections, and smoking may also contribute to the risk of aortic aneurysms.
"It weakens the wall of the aorta and eventually leads to rupture of the aorta. In case of rupture, massive internal bleeding occurs and unless treated immediately, shock and death can occur. The other fatal complication is dissection of the aorta. In dissection, the "Layers of the wall of the aorta are divided, which can lead to poor perfusion to the brain or visceral organs or eventual rupture," Shiv told IANS.
Open surgery used to be the main form of treatment. Recently, there has been a paradigm shift towards minimally invasive endovascular stent implantation techniques, which are associated with low risk, minimal morbidity and low mortality, (Surg Cmde) V S Bedi, president of NM and senior consultant at the Institute of Vascular and Endovascular Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, told IANS.
"Aneurysms should be treated once the size of the aorta increases to more than 5 cm because an increase of more than 6 cm can cause a sudden leak or rupture that can be fatal," the doctor added.
Experts also advised strict control of blood pressure in patients with this disease and the prohibition of tobacco in any form. Patients with diagnosed aneurysms should avoid intense physical sports and isometric exercise, but can walk and perform light aerobic exercises.
It affects approximately 2 to 3 percent of the population, but the risk increases with certain factors such as atherosclerosis (buildup of cholesterol in the blood vessels), hypertension, and generic deficiency in certain patients.
"Aortic aneurysms represent a critical but under-recognized health problem that ranks as the third leading cause of sudden cardiac death, behind heart attacks and cardiac arrests," said Niranjan Hiremath, senior consultant cardiovascular and aortic surgeon at Indraprastha Hospital. Apollo, New York. Delhi, he told IANS.
"When the wall of the aorta weakens, it can dilate to two or even three times its normal diameter, creating a significant risk of sudden rupture, which can lead to immediate death or lead to aortic dissections, another serious complication," he added.
In India, awareness of cardiac risks predominantly revolves around heart attacks and cardiac arrests, but the dangers posed by aortic aneurysms have not received comparable attention.
"The lack of awareness is concerning, especially considering that about 75 percent of aortic aneurysms are asymptomatic and go undetected until they present a sudden, life-threatening emergency. These aneurysms are often discovered incidentally during examinations. for other medical conditions," Niranjan said. .
"Most intact aortic aneurysms do not cause symptoms. As they increase in size, symptoms such as abdominal pain and back pain may develop. If left untreated, aneurysms tend to grow progressively and can present life-threatening complications," he added. Shiv Choudhary, CEO. Adult Cardiovascular and Vascular Surgery, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla Road, New Delhi.
Aneurysms can develop in any segment of the aorta, but most commonly affect the abdominal aorta. Experts noted that genetic predispositions, trauma or infections, and smoking may also contribute to the risk of aortic aneurysms.
"It weakens the wall of the aorta and eventually leads to rupture of the aorta. In case of rupture, massive internal bleeding occurs and unless treated immediately, shock and death can occur. The other fatal complication is dissection of the aorta. In dissection, the "Layers of the wall of the aorta are divided, which can lead to poor perfusion to the brain or visceral organs or eventual rupture," Shiv told IANS.
Open surgery used to be the main form of treatment. Recently, there has been a paradigm shift towards minimally invasive endovascular stent implantation techniques, which are associated with low risk, minimal morbidity and low mortality, (Surg Cmde) V S Bedi, president of NM and senior consultant at the Institute of Vascular and Endovascular Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, told IANS.
"Aneurysms should be treated once the size of the aorta increases to more than 5 cm because an increase of more than 6 cm can cause a sudden leak or rupture that can be fatal," the doctor added.
Experts also advised strict control of blood pressure in patients with this disease and the prohibition of tobacco in any form. Patients with diagnosed aneurysms should avoid intense physical sports and isometric exercise, but can walk and perform light aerobic exercises.
