Aortic disease: prevention and early diagnosis
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On World Aortic Disease Day, medical professionals in Greece are emphasizing the importance of preventing and diagnosing aortic conditions.
The aorta, the body’s largest blood vessel, carries blood from the heart throughout the body, and early detection of risk factors and regular medical checkups are crucial for maintaining vascular health. One common aortic disease is an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a widening of the aorta that can often be identified through preventative screenings like ultrasound.
If an aneurysm ruptures, it causes severe abdominal or back pain, low blood pressure, weakness, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, requiring immediate medical attention. Diagnosis at an early stage allows surgeons to monitor or treat the aneurysm effectively. Beyond aneurysms, aortic diseases include acute aortic syndromes like aortic dissection, which can present with sudden, intense chest or back pain and demands prompt, specialized medical care.
Modern vascular surgery offers several treatment options, including open surgery and minimally invasive endovascular techniques using stent-grafts. These techniques can reduce hospital stays and recovery times. Individuals over 65, especially smokers, and those with a family history of aortic aneurysms should undergo preventative ultrasound screenings. Lifestyle choices like quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, and regular exercise also contribute to vascular health.
