Atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart in adults

The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It departs from the heart and carries blood to organs and tissues. Although the walls of the aorta are very strong, atherosclerosis can damage them, which threatens to develop serious health problems.

What is atherosclerosisepoz

The term “atherosclerosis” doctors call a chronic pathology, which is associated with metabolic disorders (mainly fats, to a lesser extent proteins and carbohydrates). As a result, the walls of blood vessels (especially large and medium-sized arteries) are covered with a fatty coating, and atherosclerotic plaques form in them.

Causes of atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart in adults

The main cause of atherosclerosis of the aorta, as well as other localizations, has not been determined by scientists. Why fat metabolism is disturbed, and lipids begin to settle on the walls of blood vessels, impregnating and damaging and – it is not known exactly. So far, only theories have been put forward.

In general, the aorta suffers when large plaques form in its walls – lumps of cholesterol, lipoprotein residues, blood cells, which are entangled in connective tissue threads. Large plaques can even have their own small capillaries, calcium salts accumulate in them. If in smaller vessels plaques can completely block the lumen of the artery, then in the aorta they can sharply deform the vessel, disrupt the outflow of cuts into smaller arteries and create conditions for the development of aneurysms (thin sacs filled with blood on the walls of the arteries that can rupture).

Atherosclerosis of the aorta develops over several decades, during which time the aorta suffers due to the influence of various adverse factors that increase the likelihood of plaque development. Among the main ones are:

• age-related changes in men after 40-50 years, in women after menopause;
• hypertension;
• overweight and obesity;
• increased levels of bad cholesterol;
• bad habits;
• constant stress;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• unfavorable heredity;
• chronic inflammatory processes.

Symptoms of atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart in adults

Pathology develops for a long time without a single unpleasant symptom. Often, plaques are found after an autopsy due to sudden death, although the patient did not complain of any problems with the heart and blood vessels during his lifetime. The main signs of aortic atherosclerosis will largely depend on the specific location of the plaque and the amount of deposits.

Ascending aorta. For a long time does not make itself felt, even with the development of an aneurysm. Often it is found during examination for other reasons. If complications arise, there may be:

• pallor and severe weakness;
• severe chest pain;
• loss of consciousness.

The mouth of the coronary arteries. Symptoms may be similar to coronary artery disease or heart failure:

• pain in the heart of a pressing character;
• sharp pain in the left or central part of the chest;
• dyspnea;
• severe weakness, rapid fatigue;
• palpitation;
• edema.

Aortic arch. If the part from which the arteries branch to the brain, neck and shoulders is affected, hypoxia of this area occurs, which can lead to unpleasant symptoms:

• weakness and low temperature;
• night sweats;
• violation of appetite;
• pain in the joints and muscles;
• chest pain;
• swelling of the neck and tonsils.

As the condition worsens, headaches with dizziness, fainting, convulsions, transient ischemic attacks, cold hands and feet, nausea with vomiting, visual disturbances occur.

Thoracic aorta. This area carries blood to the chest. Key symptoms of disorders:

• excruciating pain behind the sternum that radiates to the neck, arms, back or abdomen, lasting for hours and rolling in waves;

• pain increases during stress or exertion;
• difficulty swallowing due to compression of the esophagus;
• hoarseness of voice;
• headache;
• different pupil sizes;
• dizziness;
• pain in the back and ribs;
• convulsions that occur against the background of sharp turns of the head.

Abdominal aorta. Symptoms develop first, but depend on the location of plaques and impaired blood supply to a certain area of ​​the body:

• numbness and pallor of the legs, coldness of the feet;
• intermittent lameness;
• indigestion with belching, nausea and bloating;
• trophic ulcers on the legs.

Treatment of atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart in adults

Treatment of atherosclerosis is an extremely difficult task, and it is important to first determine which part of the aorta is most affected. To do this, you need to see a doctor and get diagnosed.

Diagnostics

Atherosclerosis of the aorta is often determined during examinations for other reasons. The patient usually has no complaints until the most extreme cases. Sometimes the doctor can hear characteristic noises when listening to the lungs and heart, determines an asymmetric pulse on the left and right hand. For an accurate diagnosis, it is usually prescribed:

• Ultrasound of the heart and blood vessels, so that the condition of the aorta can be assessed;
• transesophageal echocardiography, for clearer images of the aorta;
• dopplerography of vessels to assess blood flow through the aorta;
• CT or MRI, including with contrast agents.

Additionally, blood tests are prescribed to determine metabolic disorders, including cholesterol, protein, and glucose levels.

Modern treatments

In the treatment of atherosclerosis of the aorta, the patient can be recommended three options for therapy:

• change your lifestyle towards a more active and healthy, reconsider your diet;
• take medications prescribed by a doctor;
• if the situation is severe, surgery may be recommended.

The first paragraph is mandatory for all people, the second and third – in the presence of certain symptoms and indications. Serious damage to the aorta involves taking certain medications to control the condition:

• hypolipidemic drugs (correct the level of cholesterol and unhealthy fats) – statins are most often used – Atorvasatin, Simvastatin, Rosuvastatin, in addition, the doctor may prescribe fibrates, nicotinic acid, unsaturated fatty acid preparations, bile acid sequestrants;
• drugs that correct pressure and improve heart function – enalapril, nitroglycerin, bisoprolol, amlodipine can be prescribed;
• drugs to prevent blood clots – Ticlodipine, Aspirin-cardio, Karyomagnyl, in severe cases – more serious ones (Warfarin, Heparin).

If the situation is severe, there is a risk of complications, the doctor may recommend surgery – excision of aortic plaques, angioplasty, aortic balloon expansion, stenting.

Prevention of atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart in adults at home

The basis for the prevention of aortic atherosclerosis is the fight against the influence of risk factors. Primarily:

• eat rationally, eat right, reduce the amount of fatty and sugary foods, processed foods, fast food;
• move as much as possible, go in for sports, visit the gym, swimming pool, go for walks;
• control blood pressure and cholesterol levels;
• give up bad habits;
• regularly undergo medical examinations;
• treat chronic infections promptly.

Popular questions and answers

Atherosclerosis of the aorta can lead to serious health problems if it is not detected and treated promptly. Therefore, it is important to know what this pathology threatens, when you need to see a doctor and whether it is worth practicing self-medication, dubious supplements and folk recipes. Told us about it cardiologist Tamaz Galoshvili.