Context:
- The number of young people experiencing heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrests is increasing.
- Additionally, there is a lesser-known cardiovascular risk involving a tear in the aorta, which is the main blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body’s organs.
- This tear can occur without any noticeable symptoms.
About:
The aorta, which carries blood to the heart, can be damaged by uncontrollable high blood pressure. However, abnormalities of the heart can be easily detected with an echocardiogram and chest X-ray and can be prevented by making lifestyle changes such as controlling blood pressure and diabetes, exercising, sleeping well, eating healthy, quitting smoking, and managing stress. Unfortunately, there is not enough awareness about complications of the aorta, which develop slowly and should be addressed early. If the aorta ruptures, immediate surgery is necessary and the risk of death increases by one to two percent for every hour of delay.
WHAT IS AORTIC DISSECTION OR TEAR?
- An aortic dissection occurs when there is a tear in the wall of the aorta.
- Uncontrolled hypertension can contribute to this by increasing cortisol levels in the blood, which leads to the deposition of plaque along the walls of the aorta.
- Over time, this plaque can calcify and weaken the walls, allowing it to penetrate through two layers.
- The aorta is important for transporting blood to the heart, so if it becomes blocked, it becomes difficult for the heart to pump blood and the excess blood can put pressure on the remaining wall.
- At high blood pressure levels, the forceful blood flow can cause the remaining wall to burst, resulting in an aortic dissection.
- This can lead to stroke and paralysis.
- When the aorta is torn, it restricts the blood flow and reduces the supply of oxygen to important organs such as the brain, kidneys, and heart.
WHAT ARE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?
Patients experience intense pain in the chest and abdomen, have trouble breathing, feel numbness in their limbs, and sweat profusely.
WHAT ARE TRIGGERS?
The main reason for poorly controlled hypertension is compounded by lifestyle-induced diabetes and obesity at a young age. Many young people choose unhealthy diets by ordering food from restaurants, which often contain ingredients that clog blood vessels more quickly in younger individuals. Those with pre-existing connective tissue diseases are also at a high risk of aortic tears, along with other common risk factors such as an existing aneurysm, polycystic kidney diseases, or chest trauma.
WHAT IS ANEURYSM IN THE AORTA?
An aortic aneurysm occurs when the walls of the aorta thin out and the blood causes it to enlarge. This can happen without any symptoms. If you have certain risk factors or a family history of sudden death or heart valve surgery, it is advised to get screened early. Not all aneurysms require open heart surgery, and regular heart screenings are recommended, especially after the age of 40. It is important to control blood pressure to prevent aortic diseases, as it is a major trigger for cardiovascular problems in Indians according to the WHO.
Source:IE
Practice question:
- Which heart chamber pumps oxygenated blood to the entire body?
- Right atrium
- Left atrium
- Right ventricle
- Left ventricle
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