Heart Conditions – 4 Causes of Aortic Disease

Nobody wants to hear that they have a heart condition. However, life has a different opinion. Both men and women can become a victim of aortic disease and other cardiovascular illnesses. Congenital problems with the aorta and aortic valve can have several causes. These health changes often become apparent during adolescence or adulthood.  They should be checked immediately, because these health problems may require surgical intervention.

Causes of Aortic Disease

  1. Hardened Arteries – Atherosclerosis, or thick artery walls as a result of an accumulation of fatty materials like cholesterol or plaque, is a common disorder. It occurs with aging, but also has been detected in younger patients with high blood cholesterol levels. The deposits weaken the aorta. When an aortic aneurysm breaks and the swelling ruptures, the bleeding can become life threatening. It has to be stopped right away.
  2. Congenital disorder – A lot of medical problems would not exist if everyone was born with a perfect body. Unfortunately, that is not the case and certain conditions are present at birth. Some individuals only have a frail or underdeveloped aorta. Others have two valvular leaflets instead of three. Sporadically, doctors report cases of patients developing aortic aneurisms because their aorta is extremely narrow. This is referred to as coarctation.
  3. Trauma – An Aortic disease can also stem from injuries to the chest area, such as can happen during a car accident. The aorta has been partially or fully cut and needs to be repaired instantly.
  4. Genetic syndromes – The loss of elasticity of the artery walls can lead to the formation of an aortic aneurysm. The normal biological connective tissue is defective.

A cardiologist can perform several tests to determine which patients are suffering from aortic diseases. After evaluating the symptoms, the physician can request a computed tomography or CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, X-rays or photographic images, and a transesophageal echocardiogram or TEE. Seek medical treatment when problems are detected. You only have one heart.

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