aortic aneurysm Treatment in Singapore

What is an Aortic Aneurysm?

The aorta is the largest artery in the body, carrying blood and oxygen from the heart to the rest of the body. Any artery can develop an aneurysm.

An aortic aneurysm forms when there is a weakening in the aortic wall. The weak spot of your aorta develops a bulge that resembles a balloon due to the pressure of blood pouring through the artery. We refer to this bulge as an aortic aneurysm.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

To prevent rupture, which can result in fatal internal bleeding and shock, timely treatment of an aortic aneurysm is essential. Early intervention significantly increases survival rates and lowers the danger of consequences like organ damage, whether it be by surgery or minimally invasive techniques like EVAR.

Early intervention also helps manage risk factors, such as hypertension, which stops the aneurysm from getting more significant. Immediate attention guarantees improved surgical results, a quicker recovery, and a decreased risk of long-term health problems.

What are the Common Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysm?

When an aortic aneurysm forms, you may have symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Even after a short lunch, feeling satisfied
• The aneurysm may cause neck, back, chest, or belly pain, depending on where it is forming
• Swallowing that hurts or is challenging
• Swelling in your face, arms, or neck

Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm can include the following:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Elevated heart rate
• Rapid, Intense back, stomach, or chest discomfort

Types of Aortic Aneurysm

Aortic aneurysms can be classified into two categories. They have an impact on several bodily parts:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm: The section of the aorta that goes through the abdomen region is where an abdominal aortic aneurysm develops.
• Thoracic aortic aneurysm: The section of the aorta that goes through the chest cavity is where a thoracic aortic aneurysm develops.

Causes, Risk Factors and Complications of Aortic Aneurysm

Causes

Although the exact causes of aortic aneurysms are frequently unknown, they may include:

• Atherosclerosis, or artery narrowing
• An artery's inflammation
• Hereditary disorders, particularly those affecting connective tissue (e.g., Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome)
• Aortic injury
• Syphilis

Risk Factors

The most common causes of aortic aneurysms are:

• Smoke
• Are older than 65
• Were born with a male allocated to them
• Possess a history of aortic aneurysms in your family
• Possess hypertension or elevated blood pressure

Complications

Although the exact causes of aortic aneurysms are frequently unknown, they may include:

• Atherosclerosis, or artery narrowing
• An artery's inflammation
• Hereditary disorders, particularly those affecting connective tissue (e.g., Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome)
• Aortic injury
• Syphilis

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Aortic Aneurysm in Singapore

• The use of minimally invasive procedures has led to significant advancements in the treatment of aortic aneurysms in Singapore. Patients who are unsuitable for open surgery or who have large or symptomatic aneurysms are now advised to undergo thoracic and abdominal endovascular repair, or T/EVAR.
• This surgery offers shorter recovery times and a lower risk of complications by introducing a stent graft through tiny groin incisions. Furthermore, customised therapy is made possible by the use of custom-made devices (CMDs) for complex thoraco-abdominal aneurysms, improving both the success of the procedure and the long-term results.

Aortic Aneurysm Prevention Tips

An aortic aneurysm is likely to occur if you use tobacco products, have high blood pressure, or have high cholesterol. You can lower your risk by continuing to lead a healthy life. Consuming a heart-healthy diet is one example of this.

• Exercising regularly
• Keeping a healthy weight in mind
• Use of tobacco products and smoking should be limited