aortic disease

Aortic disease can manifest in various ways, and it's essential to be aware of the possible signs and symptoms to seek medical attention if necessary.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

• Chest pain or tightness [3]
• Dizziness or lightheadedness [11][13]
• Rapid heart rate [11][13]
• Sudden, severe chest pain, abdominal pain, or back pain [10][11][13][14]
• Shortness of breath, particularly during vigorous activity or when lying down [1]
• Fatigue after activity or having less ability to be active [1]
• Irregular heartbeat [1]

Other Possible Symptoms:

• Sharp, sudden pain in the chest, upper back, jaw, or neck [15]
• Unexplained coughing or hoarseness [14]
• Difficulty breathing or feeling faint [14]

Important Notes:

• Some people with aortic disease may not experience any noticeable symptoms for many years [1].
• As the disease progresses, symptoms can worsen over time and become more pronounced [8].
• In some cases, symptoms may appear suddenly, even in individuals who have been asymptomatic for an extended period [8].

Early Detection is Key:

Identifying aortic disease early on enables you to explore treatment options and make informed decisions about your lifestyle. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about your heart health, consult with your healthcare professional.

References: [1] - Symptoms of aortic valve disease [3] - Managing mild aortic stenosis [8] - People can have aortic valve disease for years without experiencing any symptoms [10] - Aortic disease can also mirror symptoms of a heart attack [11] - What are the symptoms of an aortic aneurysm? [13] - Mar 24, 2022 — What are the symptoms of an aortic aneurysm? [14] - Apr 25, 2023 — An aneurysm in the lower part of the aorta can grow slowly and silently [15] - May 15, 2024 — ... aortic aneurysms.

Medications Used to Treat Aortic Disease

Aortic disease, including aortic aneurysms and aortic stenosis, can be treated with various medications to lower blood pressure, reduce stress on the aorta, and prevent further complications.

• Beta blockers: These are often the initial drug of choice for lowering blood pressure, ventricular rate, dP/dt, and stress on the aorta [6]. Examples include metoprolol (Generic name: metoprolol systemic; Drug class: cardioselective beta blockers) [5].
• Calcium channel blockers: These can be prescribed to lower blood pressure and relax blood vessels [7].
• Statin treatment: Statins are used to reduce the progression of atherosclerosis and improve cardiovascular health [8]. They may also inhibit the growth rate of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in humans [9].
• Digoxin: This medication can be used to treat patients with aortic stenosis who are not candidates for surgery and present with pulmonary congestion [4].

Other Considerations

It's essential to note that medications may come with risks, such as increased bleeding risk with aspirin [2]. Additionally, drug use disorders can have significant costs to society due to lost productivity, premature mortality, and other social consequences [14].

References

• [1] Antihypertensive medications lower blood pressure, relieving pressure on the aortic wall and preventing the aneurysm from growing or rupturing.
• [4] Patients with aortic stenosis who are not candidates for surgery and present with pulmonary congestion may be treated with digoxin.
• [5] Drugs used to treat Aortic Aneurysm; Generic name: metoprolol systemic; Drug class: cardioselective beta blockers.
• [6] Beta blockers are the initial drug of choice for lowering blood pressure, ventricular rate, dP/dt, and stress on the aorta.
• [7] They might prescribe drugs, such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers to lower your blood pressure and relax your blood vessels.
• [8] Statin treatment is one of the cornerstone therapies in cardiovascular diseases.
• [9] Treatment with statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitors, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory agents appears to inhibit the growth rate of AAA in humans.