Aortic Sclerosis - Causes, Symptoms, Complications And Treatment Of Aortic Sclerosis

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Causes, symptoms and treatment of aortic sclerosis

Content:

• Reasons for the development of aortic sclerosis
• Symptoms of aortic sclerosis
• Complications of aortic sclerosis
• Aortic sclerosis treatment

Definition of disease

Aortic sclerosis is a fairly common disease among the elderly, based on the development, which is the defeat of individual parts of the aorta by atherosclerotic plaques (calcium salt deposits). In some cases, the pathological process can cover the aorta throughout its entire length. Symptoms and prognosis of the development of the disease depend on the location and degree of damage to the blood vessel, as well as on the condition of the vascular walls.

Reasons for the development of aortic sclerosis

To a greater extent, the formation of atherosclerotic plaques contributes to improper nutrition - excessive consumption of foods rich in cholesterol and a lack of raw vegetables, berries and fruits in the diet, systematic overeating and excess weight. Another reason for the development of sclerosis is inflammatory diseases, usually of a chronic nature - tuberculosis, syphilis, endocrinological diseases.

Symptoms of aortic sclerosis

It should be noted right away that the aorta is the largest vessel that feeds almost all the vital organs of the human body. Consists of two main sections: the chest, covering the organs of the chest, head, neck and upper limbs, and the abdominal, nourishes the organs of the abdominal cavity, pelvis and lower limbs. Symptoms and development of the process, as well as the outcome of the disease, are determined by the degree and prevalence of damage to the aortic walls.

Thoracic sclerosis is asymptomatic for a long time, although it is most common among other forms of atherosclerosis. The first manifestations, as a rule, begin at a rather old age of 60-70 years, when the walls of the vessel are already thoroughly destroyed. Patients begin to complain of a burning sensation in the chest area, systolic pressure rises significantly, dizziness and difficulty swallowing are noted.

Indirect signs of the development of atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta can be premature aging and the appearance of gray hair, intense hair growth in the auricles, the appearance of small wen on the face and a light stripe along the edge of the iris.

Localization of the disease in the abdominal aorta is noted in about half of the cases; it can also not manifest itself for a long time. As a result, the blood supply to the internal organs is disrupted due to atherosclerosis of the vessel feeding these organs, which can lead to ischemic lesions. Clinical manifestations are characterized by periodic aching pains in the abdomen after eating, not having a pronounced character and passing on their own 2-3 hours after onset.

Disruption of the digestive process can lead to noticeable weight loss.

All of the above symptoms are a direct indication for going to the clinic. Due to the latent (latent) course of the disease, serious complications may develop.

Complications of aortic sclerosis

Complications of aortic sclerosis lead to life-threatening conditions. Abdominal vascular thrombosis, which develops as a result of damage to the abdominal aorta, can lead to the development of extensive inflammation of the abdominal and peritoneal organs, in other words, to diffuse peritonitis. The patient's condition deteriorates sharply, unbearable severe pains appear - all this can end in the death of the patient if qualified medical care is not immediately provided.

Among no less dangerous complications are the development of renal failure and renal ischemia, arterial hypertension and stroke due to blockage of the arteries supplying the heart, aortic aneurysms. But the worst complication is death from coronary insufficiency.

Aortic sclerosis treatment

There are generally three treatments for aortic sclerosis.

As a method more aimed at preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, non-drug treatment is recommended - it is the elimination of predisposing factors: lowering blood cholesterol levels through a healthy diet, normalizing weight, rejecting bad habits, permissible physical activity and eliminating, if possible, stressful situations …

Drug treatment, as one of the methods, also means lowering blood cholesterol levels. The doctor prescribes a course of therapy based on the patient's condition and taking into account the degree and location of the aortic lesion. As a rule, drugs are used that accelerate the digestion of fats and inhibit cholesterol synthesis.

The third method of treatment is surgery, it is used mainly when complications develop. The formed plaque is surgically removed, followed by vessel prosthetics.

Complex treatment is often advisable.

Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist

Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".