Atherosclerosis Of The Abdominal Aorta - Symptoms And Treatment

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

Atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta

Content:

• What is abdominal aortic atherosclerosis?
• Causes of atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta
• Symptoms of atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta
• Diagnosis of atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta
• Treatment of atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta

What is abdominal aortic atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta is a chronic pathology in which there is a violation of fat metabolism, as a result of which cholesterol plaques accumulate on the walls of the main artery. Over time, they calcify and block the lumen of the bloodstream. In this case, a decrease in the elasticity of the aortic walls is also diagnosed.

The aorta is the largest vessel in the human body. It is divided into 2 branches: abdominal and thoracic, which supply blood to the organs of the corresponding cavities.

This vessel has a large diameter and strong, elastic walls. It must withstand the pressure of the blood ejected from our heart with great force so that it can reach the most distant corners of the body.

Since the lumen of the aorta is wide enough, the first symptoms of cholesterol deposits and calcification make themselves felt only in old age, when the plaques become very dense and significantly disturb the blood flow. Certain areas of tissue begin to suffer from ischemia, which develops due to insufficient blood supply.

Causes of atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta

After many years of studying pathology, the following reasons for its development were established:

• Hereditary predisposition;
• Hypertonic disease;
• Frequent nervous strain;
• Lack of physical activity;
• Diseases of the endocrine system, in particular obesity and diabetes mellitus;
• Metabolic disease;
• Excess fatty foods in the diet;
• Bad habits (alcohol, nicotine);
• Decreased body defenses;
• A history of infectious diseases.

Any of the above reasons leads to a violation of lipid metabolism, which provokes the deposition of cholesterol in the lumen of the vessels, which constantly accumulates and creates a plaque. It, in turn, causes insufficient blood supply to the organ fed by the affected vessel, and provokes its ischemia.

If the calcification site completely covers the lumen of the aorta, it can cause sudden death of the person.

Symptoms of atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta

The clinical picture in atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta depends on the degree of progression and stage of the disease:

• Stage 1 - ischemic. It manifests itself in the form of periodic deficiencies in blood transport to the organs. From the side of the heart, there are attacks of angina pectoris, possibly the development of pain in the abdomen, as well as intermittent claudication;
• Stage 2 - thrombonecrotic. It is characterized by the development of severe complications in the form of myocardial infarction, stroke, gangrene of the feet. They arise as a result of the detachment of a blood clot and blockage of the branches of the aorta of a smaller diameter;

• Stage 3 - fibrous. It is diagnosed with a long course of pathology. It is characterized by the replacement of myocardial muscle tissue with fibrous fibers, which causes cardiosclerosis.

With atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta, the patient is primarily concerned about the symptoms associated with the abdominal organs. This is due to the defeat of the mesenteric branches that supply the intestines with blood. In this regard, there are complaints of pain around the navel, they are fickle and periodically move. They occur, as a rule, after eating.

Flatulence and constipation are also observed. Some patients have a tendency to diarrhea. The feces become liquid, with an unpleasant odor. Due to a malfunction in the intestines, absorption of nutrients is impaired, which leads to weight loss.

Very often, atherosclerotic plaques are localized in the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta, this is the place where the vessel is divided into 2 branches. In this case, blood flow in the lower extremities is disrupted and a malfunction of the pelvic organs is noted.

When calcification is localized in the aortic bifurcation, edema and hyperemia of the skin of the legs and feet are noted. Periodically, they begin to grow numb, become cold, sometimes necrotic ulcers develop. Intermittent claudication appears, when walking, patients complain of painful sensations in the calf muscles, when the pain stops, they disappear.

On the part of the reproductive system, men are often diagnosed with erectile dysfunction and infertility.

On palpation, it is impossible to determine the pulsation of the arteries at the level of the navel, in the popliteal fossa, on the dorsum of the feet.

Diagnosis of atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta

It is possible to identify atherosclerosis of the aorta only with a comprehensive examination. Since pathology is more common in the elderly population, it is worth paying special attention to this particular group of patients. It is necessary to start with taking anamnesis and visual examination of the patient.

After that, they move on to instrumental diagnostic methods. Typically used:

• Electrocardiography;
• Rheoencephalography;
• Angiography.

These methods help to examine the blood flow in the vessels that feed the heart, lower limbs and brain.

To determine the size of the heart and the degree of expansion of the aortic arch, a fluorogram is used. Also, to detect atherosclerosis at the initial stage, ballistocardiogram, electromyogram of the aorta, pulse wave velocity, clearance factor, blood cholesterol level, sphygmogram can be used.

Treatment of atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta

Treatment of atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta requires an integrated approach. It is imperative that the patient follow a diet that helps to lower blood cholesterol levels. The use of fatty meats, lard, butter, smoked meats, confectionery, pastries, alcohol, soda, strong coffee and tea is prohibited.

From medications, drugs are used that affect symptoms. These include hypotensive, diuretic, strengthening the walls of blood vessels and increasing their lumen.

Also, the doctor selects statins or fibrates - drugs that help block cholesterol production.

Read more: Drugs for the treatment of atherosclerosis

The operative method of treatment consists in replacing the affected area of the aorta with a prosthesis. It is rarely used, only in cases where there is a threat of organ death.

Atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta is a pathology that can cost a person his life. Therefore, it is worthwhile to regularly carry out prophylactic examinations and promptly seek help if the corresponding symptoms occur.

The author of the article: Volkov Dmitry Sergeevich | c. m. n. surgeon, phlebologist

Education: Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry (1996). In 2003 he received a diploma from the Educational and Scientific Medical Center of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation.