Contents
Definition of the disease
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in our body and nourishes all the internal organs, with the exception of the lungs. Normally, the anatomical structure of the aortic walls has a certain thickness and density throughout. As a result, any pathological processes disrupt the structure of the vascular wall, and seals appear in the form of plaques or fibrous growths.
Causes of thickening of the aorta
Hypertension is the most common cause of aortic induration. An increase in blood pressure leads to the fact that the vascular wall loses its elasticity, becomes rigid and thickens with the formation of dense fibrous structures. Various diseases of an infectious and non-infectious nature can lead to the formation of aortic seals.
Abuse of food containing a large amount of cholesterol, and bad habits also actively contribute to the thickening and hardening of the walls of the aorta. As the body ages, the state of the walls changes under the influence of age factors, and atherosclerotic plaques form, narrowing the lumen of the vessel. If aortic thickening is diagnosed in young people or children, the cause is most often hereditary.
Symptoms of aortic thickening
As a rule, the disease does not make itself felt for a long time and in most cases is asymptomatic. Consolidation of the aorta leads gradually to a narrowing of the lumen of the vessels that feed the internal organs. The clinical picture also depends on which part of the blood vessel is covered by the process. The disease is diagnosed mainly in the elderly and very rarely in young or childhood.
When the blood supply to the heart muscle is disturbed, severe angina attacks occur, and myocardial infarction can often develop. If the vessels of the brain are affected, then there are neurological symptoms, manifested by dizziness, headaches, fatigue, irritability and other symptoms of impaired brain activity.
The abdominal aorta nourishes the vessels of the lower extremities, and with their partial blockage, the patient develops a forced characteristic lameness. As a rule, only one leg is involved in the process. The patient begins to experience pain when walking and is often forced to stop completely until the spasm passes. With insufficient blood supply to the vessels of the upper extremities, the symptoms are not so pronounced, but the pathological process is determined by probing the pulse and visible walls of the vessels.
Compaction of the aorta in the region of the abdominal organs and peritoneum can lead to inflammatory processes of varying severity. As a rule, they are manifested by pulling pains in the abdomen in the form of attacks and severe digestive disorders. As a result, patients experience weight loss. In severe cases, the disease can lead to inflammation of the peritoneum and the development of peritonitis – severe sharp pains of a different nature appear, and the patient’s condition deteriorates sharply.
Complications of aortic compaction
In people suffering from arterial hypertension, especially with sudden pressure surges or with increased physical activity, aortic dissection or an aortic aneurysm may develop. These are life-threatening conditions. Treatment is carried out only surgically and, unfortunately, does not always end happily.
Immediate surgical intervention is also indicated for peritonitis.
Diagnosis of aortic compaction
Compaction of the aorta can occur both in separate areas and throughout its entire length, therefore, ultrasound examination of the walls of a blood vessel is considered the most convenient and reliable diagnostic method. Another informative method is considered to be X-ray examination.
Treatment of aortic thickening
The risk group primarily includes patients with a history of hypertension, especially accompanied by frequent crises and sudden pressure surges. Some chronic diseases, such as tuberculosis and tertiary syphilis, also cause plaque and growths to form on the walls of the aorta, as does smoking. Such patients are necessarily sent for additional examination in order to have complete information about the prevalence of the disease and the risk of complications.
In the absence of a pronounced progression of the disease, preventive measures are taken to eliminate provoking factors that cause the development of aortic compaction. Patients are advised to undergo a course of necessary therapy if indicated. The main method of combating the formation of atherosclerotic plaques is a change in lifestyle, diet, moderate exercise and walking in the fresh air. Patients are advised to avoid stressful situations.