Diseases of the Aorta

The aorta is your body's largest artery and carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart. Any disease impacting the aorta’s structure and function can cause life-threatening complications.

Since the aorta is critical for circulation, aortic disorders can lead to heart failure, heart attack, or internal bleeding. These conditions may develop slowly due to aging or rapidly as emergencies. High blood pressure, genetics, and lifestyle can weaken the aorta, increasing the risk of serious problems.

Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial in managing aortic diseases and preventing severe outcomes. At Sydnor Cardiovascular Center, we specialize in the comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of aortic conditions using advanced imaging technology and personalized approaches.

Common Aortic Conditions & Diseases

Originating from the lower left heart chamber, the aorta passes through your chest and abdomen and branches into numerous blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to vital organs and tissues.

Therefore, the health of the aorta is vital to overall cardiovascular function. While most aortic conditions develop over time, many are manageable with early detection and proper care.

Aortic Aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm occurs when the walls of the aorta weaken and bulge outwards, causing life-threatening internal bleeding. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body that carries blood from the heart through the center of the chest and torso.

The diameter of the aorta is usually between 2 and 3 cm. It can bulge beyond 5 cm in case of an aneurysm.

An aneurysm’s size and speed of growth determine treatment options, varying from annual monitoring to emergency surgery. An aortic aneurysm is a serious condition that usually needs immediate medical intervention.

Learn More About Aortic Aneurysm

Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta. This tear can cause blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall, creating a false channel. This can block normal blood flow to important organs and lead to serious complications.

Aortic dissections occur when the aortic wall becomes weakened due to underlying health conditions. Several factors can contribute to this weakening, including:

Aortic disease
Congenital defects
Connective tissue disorders
Genetic disorders like Turner syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz
Pregnancy
Aortic aneurysm

It is not a common condition and typically occurs in men in their 60s and 70s.

If left untreated, an aortic dissection can be a life-threatening condition, causing severe internal bleeding, stroke, or organ failure. Prompt medical attention is crucial for improving outcomes and preventing complications.

Aortic dissection typically involves sudden and intense pain, often described as a "tearing" or "ripping" sensation in the chest or back. Other symptoms may include:

Sharp, severe pain that may migrate as the dissection progresses
Shortness of breath
Excessive sweating
Rapid pulse
Weak pulse in one arm
Dizziness or fainting
Weakness or paralysis in parts of the body
Difficulty speaking or confusion (if blood flow to the brain is affected)

Aortic Dilation

Aortic dilation refers to a condition when the aorta is larger than what is normal for your age and body size. It typically affects those with aortic valve disease or genetic connective tissue disease.

While not all cases of dilation progress to an aortic aneurysm, an enlargement of 50% or more beyond the expected diameter is classified as aneurysmal dilation.

Over time, the aortic walls lose their strength and elasticity. Aortic dilation can be caused by a variety of factors that contribute to the weakening of the arterial walls, including:

Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Genetic disorders, such as Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Chronic inflammatory diseases
Atherosclerosis
Aging and degenerative changes

Aortic dilation often shows no symptoms, meaning you may not realize you have the condition until it is detected during a routine medical exam or imaging study. However, in some cases, mild symptoms may occur. This can include:

Vague sensation of pressure or discomfort in the chest, back, or abdomen
Difficulty breathing
Hoarseness of voice or difficulty swallowing

Aortic Plaque

Aortic plaque is when fatty deposits, calcium, and other substances collect along the inner lining of the aorta. Over time, these deposits can harden and narrow the artery, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which restricts blood flow to the heart and increases the risk of serious cardiovascular complications, such as:

Blocked blood flow to your colon
Blocked blood flow to your limbs
Heart attack
Blocked blood flow to your kidneys
Blocked blood flow to your spleen
Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)

The biggest concern with plaque buildup in your aorta is the risk of an embolus, which is fragments of plaque that travel through your bloodstream until it gets stuck in a smaller artery, cutting off blood flow.

Plaque forms slowly over time, similar to how soap scum builds up inside a sink drain. But an embolus causes a sudden blockage—like accidentally dropping a toothpaste cap into the drain, instantly stopping the flow of water.

There are two types of emboli (blockages) that can result from aortic plaque:

Thromboembolism: A blood clot that forms on the surface of the plaque. If a piece of this clot breaks off, it can travel through your bloodstream and cause a blockage.
Atheroembolism: A fragment of plaque that breaks loose and moves through your bloodstream. This is caused when the plaque ruptures, releasing cholesterol crystals. Atheroembolisms are less common than thromboembolisms.

As aortic plaque does not result in any noticeable symptoms in its early stages, early detection and management are essential in reducing cardiovascular risks and preventing complications, such as stroke, heart attack, or heart failure.

Risk Factors of Aortic Diseases

The risk factors for aortic diseases include:

Hypertension: High blood pressure puts extra stress on the walls of the aorta. Over time, this increased pressure can cause the aorta to enlarge (dilation), stretch beyond its normal limits (aneurysm formation), or develop a tear in the inner layer (aortic dissection).
Family History of Aortic Disease: Those with a family history of aortic aneurysms, dissections, or other vascular disorders may inherit structural weaknesses in the aortic wall, making them more vulnerable to aortic diseases.
Smoking History: The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke accelerate vascular damage by promoting inflammation, reducing oxygen supply to arterial tissues, and weakening the structural integrity of the aortic walls.
High Cholesterol: Excess cholesterol in the bloodstream can lead to the accumulation of fatty deposits along the inner lining of the aorta. Over time, this buildup narrows the artery, restricts blood flow, and makes the aortic walls more susceptible to rupture or dissection.
Connective Tissue Disorders: Genetic conditions, such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, affect the body's ability to produce strong, resilient connective tissues. Since the aorta relies on these tissues for structural support, people with these disorders often experience increased elasticity in their arterial walls, making them more prone to abnormal enlargement (dilation), tears (dissection), or sudden rupture.

Diagnosis & Advanced Imaging of Aortic Diseases

At Sydnor Cardiovascular Center, our cardiologist, Dr. Lilian Ahiable, performs advanced diagnostic tests to accurately assess aortic conditions. With expertise in advanced cardiovascular imaging, she ensures precise evaluations that guide effective treatment plans, helping you receive the best possible care for your heart health.

Echocardiogram to evaluate aortic valve function and detect abnormalities.
CT Angiography (CTA) to get detailed images of the aorta, helping detect aneurysms, dissections, or plaque buildup.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) offers high-resolution images for precise diagnosis of aortic diseases.

Treatment for Aortic Diseases

The treatment approach for aortic diseases depends on the type and severity of the condition, your overall health, and risk factors. Options range from lifestyle adjustments and medications to minimally invasive procedures and surgery.

Managing aortic disease may begin with non-surgical treatments to reduce the risk of progression. This can include:

Medications for blood pressure management, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and anticoagulants to prevent clot formation
Lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation, dietary changes, and regular exercise, to reduce cardiovascular risk factors

If you have moderate to severe aortic disease, less invasive techniques or surgery can be used to treat it.

Managing Aortic Conditions & Diseases in St. Petersburg, FL

If you have risk factors for aortic disease or are experiencing its symptoms, early intervention is key. At Sydnor Cardiovascular Center, Dr. Ahiable is experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of aortic conditions to help you maintain optimal heart health.

To schedule an appointment, call us at 727-300-2282 or request an appointment online.