The doctor deals with a disease that is worse than a heart attack: when it occurs, the chances of survival are very low.

The aorta is the largest elastic artery in the body, which is divided into the chest and abdomen. When expanded (normal size up to 3 cm), it can rupture without clear warning and therefore suddenly take life. This condition is called an aortic aneurysm.

Smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight, age, and gender are factors that increase the risk of dilation and rupture of the largest human artery, the aorta. This is a very dangerous condition because most people die from aortic rupture.

“The abdominal aorta is like the trunk of a tree from which all the blood vessels and arteries come out. It is the main center of human blood circulation, all the blood vessels come out of the aorta and then break down into smaller branches,” he said. RPL physician A. Pranculis, who organized a preventive aortic examination of patients with his colleagues in July.

Blood vessels narrow, the aorta dilates.

The doctor says that due to the “calcification” of the blood vessels, most of them become clogged and narrow (legs, heart, head). The aorta can also narrow, but it usually expands, the walls become thinner, and when it reaches a certain level, it ruptures or ruptures completely. This is what has a great impact on whether a person will survive or not. Still, even with ruptured aortas, it is not possible without medical help.

“When the aorta ruptures, practically 80 percent. people are dying. Even despite modern treatment methods, because most patients simply don’t have time to see a doctor, ”said radiologist A. Pranculis.

When the aortas rupture, a person dies because a large amount of blood suddenly leaks out.

“It just came to our attention then. Not only does she bleed profusely and immediately, but all complications follow. 80 percent. People die almost immediately,” said A. Pranculis.

All of this can be avoided so that human life is not so suddenly and unexpectedly interrupted. Just look beforehand if the aorta is already too large and take measurements.

Who is most at risk?

Dr. A. Pranculis says that the aorta should be controlled from the age of 60, especially those who smoke, are overweight, suffer from high blood pressure. It is estimated that almost 8 percent. People over 65, especially men, have an enlarged aorta.

“All of these people should have an ultrasound,” says Pranculis.

“It’s very bad that when the aortas dilate, most people don’t feel anything, and when they crack, most die.”

People at risk who should have an ultrasound:

• 65 years or older;
• smokers;
• over weight;
• have high blood pressure.

However, some patients may experience abdominal pain, especially when walking. “But basically, it is practically a silent disease,” said Pranculis. “Once symptoms appear, it is practically a rupture, which is associated with high mortality.”

The doctor says that everyone knows that smoking damages the lungs, but the effects of nicotine especially cause sclerosis of the great arteries. “And aortic sclerosis usually manifests as an aneurysm,” says Dr. A. Pranculis. “Smoking is one of the main factors in the development of aortic aneurysms.”

What is 20 percent that can be saved?

The doctor adds that the severity of the aortic aneurysm condition can vary.

“The break is not the same as the break. When we heard success stories that the aorta ruptured and the man survived, that rupture was somewhat limited. The aorta doesn’t necessarily rupture like a balloon, Pranculis says, adding that if that happens, there is no chance of survival. – Sometimes an aneurysm is just a rupture, a crack. Then you can still help the patient. “

If the aorta ruptures, the person feels very severe pain in the abdomen. In this case, it is necessary to go to the reception and the emergency service as soon as possible. “There is a lot of pain and there may be damage to some organs, depending on where the aorta breaks. Many blood vessels come out of the aorta, which can damage any organ: a kidney, a vessel in the head, a vessel in the leg, etc. t.
In this case, the symptoms can be diverse ”, says Dr. A. Pranculis.

The radiologist says that the first exam to see the aorta should be an ultrasound of the abdominal organs.

“If it is dilated, it is usually seen throughout its length. To see that dimension in at least one place would really be a great suspicion,” says the RPL doctor.

During anchoscopy, an aortic enlargement may be suspected. However, says the doctor, this is already a big step.

“Once the intentional examination starts, a computed angiogram is done and you see what the aorta is and what its size is. The operation is planned later, “said A. Pranculis.

If the aorta is found to be enlarged, how much is calculated. If the increase is 5 cm or more, the first aid is to replace the aorta with an artificial blood vessel, i. and. stent. After surgery, blood begins to flow through the artificial blood vessel. “This protects the person from tearing,” Pranculis said.

Is an aortic aneurysm even more dangerous than a heart attack?

Radiologist A. Pranculis says that there is definitely a greater chance of survival after a heart attack than after an aortic rupture. However, more heart attacks occur, and aortic rupture is less common, but even more life threatening.

Symptoms often occur before a heart attack occurs, and the person still has time to seek help. On the other hand, even in the case of a myocardial infarction, bystanders learning how to perform a heart massage can save a person’s life. The automatic defibrillator also helps in the event of an accident. A person’s life and health have an even better chance of being saved if they fall into the hands of doctors as soon as possible. And in the case of aortic aneurysms, the patient can only be treated in a specialized hospital.

“If we count how many people die, it is more from a myocardial infarction, but looking at the disease itself, the abdominal aortic aneurysm is more dangerous because it does not present symptoms, with a low probability of saving the patient’s life,” said Dr. Pranculis.