Currently, there are many diseases that often do not show symptoms until they become severe. One of them is an aneurysm or aortic aneurysm. For patients with an aortic aneurysm, the best treatment is early diagnosis and treatment before symptoms of the aneurysm appear, as it results in ten times better outcomes than emergency cases.
Understanding an Aortic Aneurysm
An aortic aneurysm is an abnormality of the arteries, similar to the condition of coronary artery occlusion that leads to heart attack, or cerebral artery occlusion causing paralysis. The difference lies in the fact that the abnormality occurs in large arteries, particularly those stemming from the heart, located in the chest or abdominal area. These arteries are about 2 – 3 centimeters in diameter, much larger than those of the brain or heart. The condition causes the arterial walls to weaken and bulge.
Causes of the Disease
- Ageing
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise
Diagnosis
The challenge with this disease is in its diagnosis because, in its early stages, an aortic aneurysm often does not present any symptoms. Some individuals might notice a lump in the abdomen but disregard it due to the absence of pain, leading them to procrastinate on seeking medical help. However, if an aneurysm grows too large or bursts, it can be extremely dangerous. Patients may experience severe back or abdominal pain and may go into shock due to the large size of the artery, akin to a large burst water pipe, which could result in rapid and substantial blood loss and could quickly lead to death.
Treatment Methods
The best treatment is to seek medical advice upon suspecting or knowing the presence of the disease. For patients who are aware before the condition becomes severe, alternative options to surgery may be available, such as placing a coil to support the bulging artery, after which a hospital stay is required yet allows for a sooner return home.
For patients who suspect or are at high risk of developing an aortic aneurysm, Bangkok Heart Hospital is ready to diagnose, which can be done easily and quickly using high-speed CT Scan (CT Scan 256 Slides). Doctors can diagnose and plan treatment for each patient accordingly. If suspected or considered at high risk for an aortic aneurysm, it’s advised to undergo diagnosis to live a disease-free life.
