HEART PROBLEMS

Aortic Aneurysm

Coronary artery disease is not just confined in the heart itself and can be seen in other areas of the body. The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. It is the artery from which all the blood from the heart will flow through to get to the vital organs such as the brain, kidneys and liver.

The main cause of aortic aneurysm is a condition called arteriosclerosis. This form of heart disease results in fatty deposits imbedding into the wall of the aorta, making it less flexible and weaker as a consequence. An aortic aneurysm is a bulge through this weak spot.

Most aneurysms are diagnosed from chest and abdominal X rays. Aneurysms are generally silent in their onset until they rupture, which can cause severe central chest pain radiating through to the back. This is a medical emergency and requires rapid hospitalisation.