Ateromatose aorta abdominal

What is atherosclerosis of the aorta?

Having atherosclerosis (say "ath-uh-roh-skluh-ROH-sis") of the aorta means that a material called plaque (fat and calcium) has built up in the inside wall of a large blood vessel called the aorta. This plaque buildup is sometimes called "hardening of the arteries."

The aorta is the main artery that sends oxygen-rich blood from the heart out to the body and to the brain. It runs from your heart down through your stomach area.

When plaque builds up, it can cause problems:

• The plaque can weaken the wall of the aorta. The wall might stretch or tear.
• Pieces of the plaque can break open, which causes a blood clot to form. A blood clot or a piece of plaque can travel to other parts of your body and block blood flow.

So even if you have no symptoms, having this disease makes you more likely to have serious problems such as:

• Stroke. A stroke can happen when a blood clot travels to the brain and blocks blood flow. Without blood and the oxygen it carries, that part of the brain starts to die.
• Aortic aneurysm (say "a-OR-tik AN-yuh-rih-zum"). This is a bulge in the wall of the aorta. The bulge can burst, causing serious bleeding.
• Aortic dissection. This is a tear between the inner and outer layers of the aorta wall. The tear can cause the wall to separate and burst. This can cause serious bleeding.
• Limb ischemia (say "iss-KEE-mee-yuh"). This means that your limb, usually a leg, is not getting enough oxygen. It happens when a blood clot moves from the aorta to an artery in a leg. The blood clot cuts off blood supply to the leg. It can permanently damage the tissue.

How is it treated?

Atherosclerosis of the aorta can be treated with lifestyle changes and medicines that help lower your risk of serious complications. These medicines include:

• Blood pressure medicines such as ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers), and beta-blockers.
• Cholesterol medicines, such as statins and other medicines to lower cholesterol.
• Medicine that prevents blood clots, such as aspirin. These medicines prevent blood clots that can cause a heart attack.

You may also get a CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan to check the health of your aorta.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Lifestyle changes

• Do not smoke. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Eat heart-healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats, and low-fat or non-fat dairy foods. Limit sodium, sugars, and alcohol.
• If your doctor recommends it, get more exercise. Walking is a good choice. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk every day. Try to do moderate to vigorous activity at least 2½ hours a week. It is fine to be active in blocks of 10 minutes or more throughout your day and week.
• Stay at a healthy weight. Lose weight if you need to.

Medicines

• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse call line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• If you take a blood thinner, be sure to get instructions about how to take your medicine safely. Blood thinners can cause serious bleeding problems.
• Do not take any vitamins, over-the-counter drugs, or herbal products without talking to your doctor first.

Staying healthy

• Avoid colds and influenza (flu). Get a pneumococcal vaccine shot. If you have had one before, ask your doctor if you need another dose. Get the flu vaccine every year. If you must be around people with colds or flu, wash your hands often.
• Manage other health problems, such as diabetes.
• If you have high blood pressure, it's very important to monitor your blood pressure and take your blood pressure medicines.
• If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have severe pain in your belly, back, or chest.
• You have severe trouble breathing.
• You have severe leg pain; numbness; or pale, blue-black skin.
• You cough up blood.
• You have symptoms of a heart attack. These may include:
  • Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
  • Sweating.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly or in one or both shoulders or arms.
  • Light-headedness or sudden weakness.
  • A fast or irregular heartbeat.
• You have symptoms of a stroke. These may include:
  • Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
  • Sudden vision changes.
  • Sudden trouble speaking.
  • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
  • Sudden problems with walking or balance.
  • A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if you have any problems.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter E942 in the search box to learn more about "Learning About Atherosclerosis of the Aorta".

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