How this asymptomatic heart condition raises risk of sudden cardiac death

Aortic aneurysms which is often asymptomatic is the third leading cause of sudden cardiac death said experts on Sunday stressing the need for raising awareness on the fatal heart conditionAortic Aneurysms are the ballooning of the major blood vessel aorta which carries blood from the heart to the whole bodyIt affects approximately 2 to 3 per cent of the population but the risk increases with certain factors like atherosclerosis collection of cholesterol in the blood vessels hypertension and generic deficiency in certain patientsAortic aneurysms represent a critical yet underrecognised health concern that ranks as the third leading cause of sudden cardiac death trailing only behind heart attacks and cardiac arrests Niranjan Hiremath a senior consultant cardiovascular and aortic surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital New Delhi told IANSWhen the aortas wall weakens it can dilate to twice or even three times its normal diameter creating a significant risk of sudden rupture which can result in immediate death or lead to aortic dissections another severe complicationrdquo he addedIn India awareness about cardiac risks predominantly revolves around heart attacks and cardiac arrests but the dangers posed by aortic aneurysms have not received comparable attentionThe lack of awareness is concerning especially considering that about 75 per cent of aortic aneurysms are asymptomatic and go undetected until they present a sudden lifethreatening emergency These aneurysms are often discovered incidentally during examinations for other medical conditions Niranjan saidMost intact aortic aneurysms do not produce symptoms As they enlarge symptoms such as abdominal pain and back pain may develop Untreated aneurysms tend to become progressively larger and can present with lifethreatening complications added Shiv Choudhary Executive Director Adult Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery Fortis Escorts Heart Institute Okhla Road New DelhiAlso read Respiratory Infections swine flu dengue malaria on the rise in children as monsoon beginAneurysms can develop in any segment of the aorta but most commonly affects the abdominal aorta The experts noted that genetic predispositions trauma or infection and tobacco can also contribute to the risk of aortic aneurysmsIt weakens the wall of the aorta and finally leads to aortic rupture In rupture massive internal bleeding happens and unless treated immediately shock and death can occur The other fatal complication is a dissection of the aorta In dissection the layers of the wall of the aorta are split This can result in malperfusion to the brain or visceral organs or eventual rupture In both situations emergency intervention is warranted Shiv told usOpen surgery used to be the major form of treatment Recently there has been a paradigm shift to minimally invasive techniques of endovascular stent implantation which is associated with low risk minimal morbidity and low mortality Surg Cmde V S Bedi NM Chairman Senior Consultant Institute of Vascular ampamp Endovascular Sciences Sir Ganga Ram Hospital New Delhi told usThe aneurysms are required to be treated once the size of the aorta increases to more than 5cm because an increase of more than 6cm can cause sudden leakrupture which can be fatal the doctor addedThe experts also advised strict control of blood pressure for patients with the condition and prohibition of tobacco in any form Patients with diagnosed aneurysms should avoid intense physical sports and isometric exercise but can walk and indulge in light aerobic exercisesThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever