The insidious danger that threatens the heart: Aortic Aneurysm

Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Rıza Türköz stated that Aortic Aneurysm, which is seen more frequently in men between the ages of 59-59, is usually noticed by chance without causing any complaints, and explained the insidious and fatal disease and made important warnings.

The aorta is the name of the largest vessel in our body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart and from which all vessels originate. The expansion of this vessel is called ‘Aortic Aneurysm’.

The diameter of the aorta in an adult person’s chest wall is approximately 3 cm. This diameter is considered normal up to 3.5-4.4 cm, depending on the person’s height, weight and age. However, even if the aorta is very dilated (5 cm and above), it may not cause any symptoms or complaints, and the risk of rupture is proportional to the growth of the aneurysm!

Because it progresses insidiously and may not cause any symptoms until it suddenly ruptures, aortic aneurysms are usually detected incidentally during examinations performed for another reason. This incidental diagnosis is literally life-saving. Because an expansion of 5 cm in diameter usually causes the aorta to rupture suddenly and increases the risk of death! Therefore, it is vital to diagnose the disease early with regular examinations and tests and to start treatment. A preliminary diagnosis can be made by noticing it during routine examinations in people who have no complaints or signs of the disease.

Attention smokers and hypertension patients!

If advanced dilation of the aorta (growth of the aneurysm) is accompanied by high blood pressure, the disease may present with symptoms related to hypertension, and sometimes, as a result of the dilation of the vessel, it may create pressure on the surrounding tissues and present with complaints of pain.

Smoking and hypertension without treatment cause the aneurysm to grow rapidly and increase the risk of rupture. He emphasizes that early diagnosis and treatment can prevent sudden and unexpected deaths due to aortic aneurysms by performing surgery under appropriate conditions before the aorta reaches a dangerous diameter. One of the leading scientists, Albert Einstein, lost his life in 1955 due to aortic rupture due to an aneurysm. Those with a family history of aortic aneurysms or those with unexplained sudden deaths in relatives should also be closely monitored.