Atherosclerosis of the aorta

The aorta is called the largest vessel (artery) in the human body. It originates from the left ventricle and branches into small vessels, which are sent to all tissues and organs. The aorta consists of two parts, which, in turn, pass in different areas of the body. Thus, the thoracic and abdominal aorta are distinguished.

The thoracic aorta is the initial area where the arteries actually supply the blood supplying the upper organs (thorax, neck, head, arms).

The abdominal aorta is the site of the artery, wherece the vessels that supply the abdominal cavity depart . The terminal portion of it is divided into the left and right iliac arteries. Through them, blood is sent to the lower extremities and organs of the small pelvis.

Atherosclerosis of the aorta is a disease that results in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of the artery. Disease can both capture the aorta completely, and affect its individual areas. It is the localization of the disease and the severity of changes in the walls of this artery affect the symptoms and course of the disease. Consider in more detail the symptoms and signs of atherosclerosis of the abdominal and thoracic parts.

Atherosclerosis of the thoracic region develops earlier than other forms of the disease. Nevertheless, his symptoms may not last long. Often, along with atherosclerosis of the thoracic region, atherosclerosis of the heart aorta (its coronary arteries) as well as cerebral vessels develops. The first symptoms, as a rule, are manifested in the pre-retirement age, when the walls of the aorta are already significantly destroyed. Patients complain of burning pains in the chest, increased systolic pressure, dizziness and difficulty swallowing. Such atherosclerosis of the aorta can cause earlier aging and the appearance of gray hair, rapid growth of hair in the ears, the appearance of a light band on the iris and other manifestations.

Atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta is more common. Just like the previous form of the disease, this form can develop without symptoms for a long time. It can cause ischemic disease (abdominal). The main signs of atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta are:

- violation of digestion of food,

- pain in the abdomen after eating,

- Rapid weight loss,

- thrombosis of the visceral arteries,

- kidney failure,

Arterial hypertension.

Atherosclerosis of the aorta can also cause an aneurysm of this artery, which is the most dangerous and undesirable complication of the disease.

The development of atherosclerosis is intensified under the influence of certain factors, such as stress and nervous overexertion, hereditary disruption of the endocrine system, nutritional errors, smoking (one of the main causes of atherosclerosis). The effect of the disease on the blood supply of tissues and organs goes through several stages, the last of which is cirrhosis of the organs.

As a preventive measure, it is necessary to support muscular activity according to age and possibilities, to eat right.

Atherosclerosis of the aorta: treatment

Remember that the treatment of atherosclerosis is urgent, and you need to start it as early as possible. At the first stage of the disease, it is still possible to eliminate changes in the walls of the artery, at later times, it is practically impossible to change anything. If you still had atherosclerosis of the aorta, all efforts should be directed to stop the progression of the disease. Sometimes there is a need for medication, and medications to treat this disease very quickly become obsolete and improve.

Thus, it is necessary to constantly monitor the cholesterol content in the blood and monitor the condition of the aorta. Today, atherosclerosis kills more and more people. The key to success is prevention in the absence of this disease and proper treatment if it is available. If you do everything right, healthy and carefree old age you are guaranteed!