Content
Aortic ectasia is characterized by a dilation of the aorta artery, which is the artery through which the heart pumps blood throughout the body. This condition is generally asymptomatic, being diagnosed, in most cases, by accident.
Aortic ectasia can be abdominal or thoracic, depending on its location, and can progress to an aortic aneurysm, when it exceeds 50% of its initial diameter. Know what it is and what the symptoms of aortic aneurysm are.
Treatment is not always necessary, but it usually consists of performing surgery to repair the aorta and insert a synthetic graft.
Possible causes
The causes of aortic ectasia are not yet known, but it is thought that it may be related to genetic factors and age, since the diameter of the aorta increases in some people around 60 years of age. age.
In addition, other causes that increase the risk of developing aortic ectasia are suffering from atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, aortic stenosis or genetic diseases related to connective tissue, such as Turner Syndrome, Marfan Syndrome or Ehlers- Syndrome Danlos.
What symptoms
Generally, aortic ectasia is asymptomatic, but in some cases, it can generate symptoms that depend on the location of the ectasia. If it is an abdominal aortic ectasia, the person may experience a slight pulse in the abdominal region, back pain and chest pain.
In the case of thoracic ectasia, symptoms such as coughing, difficulty swallowing and hoarseness may occur.
What is the diagnosis
In most cases, as aortic stenosis does not cause symptoms, it is discovered accidentally through a diagnostic test such as echocardiography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, for example.
How the treatment is done
Treatment is not always necessary and, in some cases, only regular monitoring should be done to see if the diameter of the aorta increases in size. In these cases, the doctor may prescribe drugs to lower the pressure in the aorta, such as antihypertensive drugs or drugs to reduce cholesterol.
However, if the doctor realizes that the diameter is increasing in size or if the person has symptoms, it may be necessary to resort to surgery, which consists of the insertion of a synthetic tube in the aorta.
Also watch the following video, and learn how to control blood pressure, to prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases:
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- HEART INSTITUTE OF THE USP FACULTY OF MEDICINE. Thoracic Aorta Diseases. Available in: . Accessed on 13 Jul 2020
- MINISTRY OF HEALTH. Brazilian Guideline for the Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. 2016. Available at:. Accessed on 10 Feb 2020
- SÁ, Mauro P.L. Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Genetic and Imaging Evaluation for Elective Surgery. Int J Cardiovasc Sci. Vol.28, n.3. 262-264, 2015