SIMS Attention Aorta

SIMS Attention Aorta “The Life Line”

HEALTHY LIVING is probably one of the most talked about subject in the modern world. But, one topic has always been at the core of these discussions; CONDITIONS OF CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM, as this system forms the lifeline of the body. So, let’s learn about one of the lesser known, but growing cardiovascular epidemic in India, AORTIC ANEURYSM.

An aneurysm is a bulge formed on the wall of a blood vessel due to a weak spot. When it appears on the Aorta i.e. the main artery that carries blood from the heart, it is known as Aortic Aneurysm. The aneurysm can be formed in the chest cavity (Thoracic Aneurysm) or in the part of aorta passing through the abdomen (Abdominal Aneurysm). When the aneurysm receives constant high blood pressure, it might leak blood into the body cavity, which is a serious complication.

The basic risk factors for aneurysm to develop are lifestyle diseases likeuncontrolled hypertension & smoking. But, in some cases it is genetic, such as in Marfan syndrome. Apart from these, there are other factors like atherosclerosis, traumatic injury, infections etc. can also cause aortic aneurysm. Most of the patients with aortic aneurysm do not manifest any symptoms, till it becomes very large or bursts. But as it grows, there may be symptoms like chest pain, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, shortness of breath, etc. Few of the cases of aneurysm are picked up during a regular CT or Ultrasound scans.

There are a very few centres in India performing aortic surgeries in large numbers. But until recent years, there was no dedicated centre for this disease to bring focused approach for generating awareness and providing multidisciplinary treatment for this condition. Hence, SIMS Hospital launched an exclusive centre for aortic diseases in its premises to bring momentum to the effort of bringing down the risk factors of aortic diseases and thereby the disease itself.

Symptoms

Risk Factors