Many patients suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system are interested in why the aortic rupture occurs and whether a person can be saved. Aneurysm implies a significant expansion of the lumen of the artery and the formation of protrusion on the walls. Atherosclerosis often provokes the onset of the disease, as a result of which plaques form on the vessels.
A pathological neoplasm can very quickly increase in size under the influence of blood pressure. Aneurysm can burst at absolutely any moment, which leads to hemorrhage and death of the patient.
Vascular structure
Before determining why aneurysm occurs, you need to clearly understand what an aorta is and what its structure is. This vessel originates from the left ventricle of the heart and is divided into several departments, namely:
- ascending;
- aortic arch;
- left subclavian;
- right brachiocephalic trunk.
Then it passes into the abdominal cavity through the aortic opening in the diaphragm so that its contraction does not interfere with blood flow. The walls of the aorta consist of 3 layers. The inner layer consists of flat cells that fit snugly. It is perfectly smooth and provides blood movement in the vessels.
The middle layer is represented by smooth muscle fibers, which contract together with the heart muscle, creating an additional impulse to move blood through the vessels. The outer layer is fibrous tissue that maintains the shape of the vessel and ensures its normal location. Having determined what the aorta is, you need to understand why it ruptures and what triggers can be.
Main reasons
The disorder that leads to rupture is the proliferation of a certain part of the artery. Among the main causes of aortic rupture can be identified:
- atherosclerosis;
- bad habits;
- senile age;
- heredity;
- physical stress;
- pregnancy.
Gradually expanding, the aneurysm is stratified, violating the membrane of the vessel. Gradually, blood begins to accumulate, and if tissue damage occurs, a dangerous rupture can occur, which leads to the death of the patient. In the absence of emergency resuscitation, a person cannot be saved.
In addition, there are provocative aortic rupture factors. The causes of death are that the patient simply does not have time to provide first aid. The provoking factors include the period of bearing a child, as well as a hypertensive crisis.
Pathology classification
Since the aorta has a very powerful wall that can withstand high blood pressure, spontaneous tearing does not occur. The causes of aortic rupture are not yet fully understood, but this is a very dangerous condition. Experts identify a number of factors that lead to a similar state.
It is worth noting that the rupture of the stratified aortic aneurysm can be in absolutely any area. Due to a violation of integrity, certain difficulties may arise in the operation of adjacent internal organs. By the speed of the pathological process, several forms can be distinguished, namely:
The chronic form is considered the safest, since it is possible to prevent complete rupture and bleeding. With an acute form, the aortic walls can completely rupture in a very short time.
Depending on where the aortic rupture of the heart occurs, the pathology is divided into proximal and distal. The proximal form is characterized by the fact that the stratification occurs in the ascending portion of the vessel and there is its subsequent distribution below. The distal form is characterized in that the pathology affects only the lower section.
Symptomatology
Signs of aortic rupture are quite pronounced, and among them the following can be distinguished:
- the occurrence of acute pain;
- rapid increase or decrease in pressure;
- severe weakness;
- dizziness and loss of consciousness;
- vomiting and nausea.
All these manifestations are also characteristic of many other cardiac pathologies, so it is quite difficult to accurately determine it by the existing symptoms. If a person has complaints about a deterioration in well-being and all the listed signs of rupture of the thoracic aorta are observed , then a diagnosis should be made immediately.
Rupture of the abdominal aorta
If aortic rupture occurs, the causes of death are severe internal hemorrhage, which is why it is important to conduct a patient examination and treatment in a timely manner. Symptoms of aneurysm are associated with the place of its occurrence, as well as the formation of a gap, resulting in acute hemorrhage along with a shock condition.
Abdominal rupture of the aortic abdominal region is characterized by the fact that severe pain in the abdomen, sudden weakness and blurred vision occur. Very often, the symptoms increase quickly enough that a person does not even have time to explain what worries him, shock occurs, and he instantly dies.
If the gap is localized slightly higher, then painful sensations in the heart, similar to a heart attack, may occur. When blood enters the abdominal region, shock syndrome instantly occurs.
Rupture of the aorta of the heart
A similar condition is observed quite often, especially in the presence of provoking factors. With rupture of the aorta, the cause of the patient’s death is hemorrhagic stroke and heart failure. In this case, the blood stops moving through the veins, does not enter the heart, as a result of which it stops beating. All other organs begin to suffer from a lack of blood flow, however, due to the speed of appearance, the symptoms simply do not have time to show up.
Among the causes of aortic rupture, atherosclerotic formation, fungal infection and high blood pressure can be distinguished. Patients, before a rupture occurs, complain of severe pain in the heart, shortness of breath, weakness, and heart palpitations.
If the upper vein is affected, then this condition manifests itself in the form of swelling and swelling of the neck, face and upper body. In addition, respiratory failure is observed. The veins on the neck swell quickly, and the skin turns blue.
First aid
It is important not only to know what causes the aortic rupture, but also how to provide first aid to the patient so that his life can be saved. It is on the quality and timeliness of the first aid rendered that the subsequent forecast for a person will largely depend. Be sure to call an ambulance, and before her arrival to take certain measures. In particular, you need to give the patient a horizontal position, try to raise his head. A person should be motionless all this time.
It is necessary to try to reassure the patient so as not to aggravate the condition or provoke shock attacks. In addition, it is forbidden to eat or drink, as well as to use laxatives. If at home there is nitroglycerin, then you need to put one tablet to the patient under the tongue to somewhat relieve the pain.
After this, you need to wait for an ambulance, since the traumatic rupture of the aorta is treated only by surgical intervention. In addition, additional drugs are prescribed for the treatment of the underlying disease, which can provoke rupture of the vessel.
Diagnostics
Diagnosing aneurysm requires a detailed examination. However, if an aortic rupture is suspected in a teenager or adult, the doctor prescribes supportive treatment, which then changes in accordance with the diagnostic data.
Ultrasound and magnetic resonance examination are mandatory, as only this will help to make the correct diagnosis and exclude the presence of other diseases. The true cause of the disease can be recognized only with a hardware study.
Treatment features
Resuscitation measures are aimed at stabilizing the patient's condition, eliminating pain shock, stopping bleeding, as well as preventing the occurrence of renal failure. Intensive care methods include:
- intravenous administration of glucose-salt solutions;
- diuretics;
- calcium gluconate;
- clamping on vessels;
- the use of a special compress on the aortic region;
- insertion of a balloon catheter into the vessels.
After stopping the bleeding, aneurysm is removed and vascular prosthetics are performed.
Operation
Surgery for aortic rupture should be performed only by a very experienced doctor, since serious complications can occur and there is a high probability of death. An opening of the sternum is carried out, and then the damaged part of the vessel is completely removed and sutured by applying a special synthetic patch to the junction. If necessary, prosthetics of worn parts of the heart are performed.
The abdominal aortic rupture is eliminated through the abdominal incision up to the pubis. To get a better view, the duodenum is removed from the abdominal cavity for a while. After a few minutes, the doctor makes several incisions and removes the aorta, which is then pinched. A similar aortic clamping occurs near the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. As a result, renal failure may develop. That is why the operation is carried out as soon as possible.
After the prosthesis is installed, the clamps from the aorta are removed. Surgeons then conduct a study to make sure that the circulatory system is functioning properly. Only after this is drainage removed and sutures applied. Treatment generally gives a good result, but the main thing is that it be carried out in a timely and comprehensive manner.
During the operation, blood circulation is transferred to a cardiopulmonary bypass, which will temporarily perform the function of the heart. After the operation, the patient needs a long rehabilitation period under the strict supervision of the attending doctor.
If the aneurysm has not yet burst, but there is such a threat, doctors use a stenting technique. It implies the strengthening of the walls of blood vessels by the introduction of an endoprosthesis. This is a practically safe and minimally invasive operation.
Forecast
If the aorta is completely ruptured, then the prognosis in this case is quite unfavorable, most patients die. This is due to various factors, in particular, such as:
- untimely arrival of an ambulance;
- too much hemorrhage;
- incorrect diagnosis;
- severe tolerance to anesthesia;
- elderly age.
At the earliest stages of the disorder, the patient’s chances are much higher if you consult a doctor in a timely manner for help. Surgical intervention guarantees a full recovery, but there are still risks associated with the operation itself.
Preventive actions
Since aortic rupture in many cases ends in the death of the patient, preventive measures must be taken to help prevent this condition from occurring. Properly conducted therapy through the use of certain drugs helps to significantly slow down the process of stratification of vascular tissue. In addition, patients can be prescribed medications that lower cholesterol.
With a sharp increase in tissue disorders, cardiologists recommend surgery. Surgery is mandatory for people with Marfan syndrome.
Ideally, it is best to prevent aneurysms. Since the risk of tissue rupture increases with the development of atherosclerosis, to prevent it, you need to take drugs that lower the level of triglycerin and cholesterol. Be sure to lead an active life in order to prevent obesity, and as a result of this physical inactivity. Cardiologists recommend timely treatment of hypertension and diabetes. Additionally, a special diet is required.
Power Feature
The nutrition of a person who is predisposed to rupture of the aorta is important. The list of healthy foods includes avocados, as they contain fatty acids as well as vitamins that reduce the risk of developing vessel problems. This vegetable helps to remove bad cholesterol. It can be consumed raw or added to salads.
A grapefruit is considered to be a useful product, since it contains a lot of vitamins and healthy fiber. It eliminates the risk of ischemia, atherosclerosis, and also improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
It is good to consume pomegranate, as it contains antioxidants that help lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of aneurysms, and normalize blood circulation. Garlic helps fight vascular problems, as its composition contains many useful substances.
Together with medications, you need to use traditional medicine, but before that you need to consult your doctor. All these measures help prolong life and reduce the risk of complications.