Understanding aortic disease

The aorta, your body’s largest blood vessel, plays a critical role in carrying oxygen-rich blood from your heart to every part of your body. Aortic disease and conditions like aortic aneurysms and aortic dissection can pose serious health risks. But with early diagnosis and specialized treatment, these conditions do not have to control your life. At Endeavor Health, you’ll find the compassionate, world-class care you need to manage this diagnosis.

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Aortic disease symptoms can appear suddenly or develop gradually. Recognizing them early can be life-saving. Common symptoms include:

  • A pulsating sensation in the abdomen or a balloon-like bulge may be signs of an aortic aneurysm.
  • Sudden, severe chest or back pain is often described as a tearing sensation, which could indicate an aortic dissection or an issue with the aortic wall.
  • Shortness of breath can signal a potential problem with blood flow or aortic valve health.
  • Fainting or dizziness, especially if accompanied by chest discomfort, may point to internal bleeding or a blood pressure issue that may signal an aortic disease.

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, don’t wait — early intervention can make all the difference.

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Diagnosing aortic disease involves sophisticated imaging techniques to get a detailed picture of the health of your aorta and artery walls. At Endeavor Health, we use advanced tools, including:

  • Ultrasounds: Simple and effective for visualizing blood flow and spotting abnormalities in the abdominal aorta
  • CT scans: High-resolution imaging to assess the severity of aortic aneurysms and detect any invasive procedures that may be required
  • MRIs: Providing a comprehensive view of your largest artery, allowing for precise identification of issues, including genetic conditions affecting the aorta

Early and precise diagnosis allows us to develop a personalized care plan that best fits your needs, helping prevent serious complications.

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Treatment for aortic disease depends on the condition’s type and severity. At Endeavor Health, we offer a range of advanced treatments, including:

  • Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR): EVAR is a minimally invasive procedure where a stent graft is placed inside the aorta to reinforce weakened areas, reducing recovery time and the risk of internal bleeding.
  • Open surgery: Sometimes, a larger or more complex aneurysm may require open surgery to replace or repair the affected section of the aorta.
  • Monitoring and lifestyle adjustments: For smaller aneurysms, our approach focuses on proactive monitoring and lifestyle changes — like managing blood pressure and promoting cardiovascular health — to keep the aortic wall strong.

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and support needed to take charge of your heart health and live your life fully.

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TAVR procedure

An innovative alternative to traditional aortic surgery

At Endeavor Health, we are proud to offer transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) — a groundbreaking, minimally invasive procedure for patients with aortic stenosis. For those who may be at high risk for open-heart surgery, TAVR provides a safer, effective way to replace a malfunctioning aortic valve without the long recovery time associated with traditional surgery. Our specialized team uses advanced technology to ensure you get back to living life as fully as possible, with less discomfort and a quicker return to everyday activities.

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Frequently asked questions

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge that forms in the wall of the aorta, the body's largest blood vessel. It can be caused by factors like high blood pressure, genetic conditions, or lifestyle factors such as smoking, which weaken the artery walls over time.

Aortic aneurysms are typically diagnosed through advanced imaging techniques, including ultrasounds, CT scans or MRIs, which provide detailed images of the aorta to detect any abnormalities.

The symptoms of an aortic dissection often include sudden, severe chest or upper back pain that feels like tearing, shortness of breath and, in some cases, fainting. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Treatment options depend on the severity and type of aortic disease. They can range from lifestyle modifications and medication to manage blood pressure, to endovascular procedures (EVAR) or open surgery for more severe cases. TAVR is also an option for valve-related issues.

Reducing your risk involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including managing blood pressure, avoiding smoking, staying active and following a heart-healthy diet. Regular checkups are also crucial for early detection.

TAVR is typically recommended for patients with aortic stenosis who are considered high risk for open-heart surgery. Our team will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine if TAVR is the right choice for you.

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Schedule an appointment with our expert cardiovascular team today to discuss your symptoms, explore your treatment options and get started on a personalized care plan that fits your needs. We’re here to help you effectively manage your heart health.

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At Endeavor Health Cardiovascular Institute, your heart health is our mission. With advanced technologies, compassionate care and a dedicated team of specialists, we’re here to help you on every step of your heart health journey.

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