Cardiology is the medical specialty focused on the heart and the cardiovascular system. It involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. These conditions include coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and valve disorders. The field covers a broad spectrum, from congenital heart defects present at birth to acquired conditions like heart attacks.
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Recognizing the signs of aortic disease can be tricky because the condition often develops silently. Many people do not feel any different in the early stages. The aorta is deep inside your chest and belly, so you cannot see or feel it changing. It differs from a cut or bruise, which is simple to spot. Often, the body adapts to the changes, and you might carry on with your daily life without noticing anything is wrong. This phenomenon is why doctors call some of these conditions “silent” until they reach a certain size or severity.
However, as the condition progresses, your body may start to give you clues. These clues can be subtle at first, like feeling a bit more worn out than usual or noticing a flutter in your chest. Knowing what to look for empowers you to seek help early. It is also important to understand the risk factors that might make you more likely to develop these conditions. Knowing your risks, you can take proactive steps to monitor your health. This section will guide you through the common feelings patients report and the factors that might increase your chances of developing aortic disease.
In the beginning, aortic disease rarely causes pain or discomfort. An aneurysm can grow slowly for years without you ever knowing it is there. Aortic valve disease can also be present for a long time before it starts to affect your energy levels. This silence is why regular checkups with your doctor are so valuable. They can hear or see things that you cannot feel yet.
During this silent phase, the only way to find the problem is often by accident. You might get an X-ray for a bad cough or a scan for back pain, and the doctor notices the aorta looks a bit wide. Or, during a physical exam, the doctor might hear a murmur when listening to your heart. These incidental findings are actually a good thing because they alert you to the issue while there is still plenty of time to manage it.
As an aortic condition advances, you might start to feel specific symptoms. One common sign is feeling breathless, especially when you are active. You might notice that walking up a flight of stairs takes more effort than it used to. Some people feel a sense of heaviness or pressure in their chest. It is not always sharp pain; sometimes it just feels like tightness.
If you have an aneurysm in your belly, you might feel a pulsating sensation near your navel. It can feel like a heartbeat in your stomach. Some people describe a deep, gnawing pain in their back or side that does not go away with movement. If the issue is in the chest, you might develop a cough or a hoarse voice because the enlarged vessel is pressing on the nerves or windpipe nearby.
Chest pain is a symptom that should always be taken seriously. With aortic disease, the pain can vary. In aortic stenosis, a type of heart valve disease, the pain might happen when you exercise because the heart is struggling to push blood through the narrow valve. This pain usually stops when you rest. It feels like a warning light from your heart saying it is working too excessively.
In rare cases where the aorta tears, the pain is entirely unique. It is sudden, severe, and sharp. People often describe it as a tearing or ripping sensation that moves from the chest to the back. This kind of pain is an emergency. However, the dull ache or pressure from a growing aneurysm is more common and less intense. It is important to pay attention to any new or unusual feeling in your chest.
Some risk factors for aortic disease are things you are born with or cannot control. Age is the most significant. As we grow older, our arteries naturally become stiffer and less elastic. This condition is a normal part of aging, but it increases the chance of developing an aneurysm or valve issue. Men are also more likely to develop aortic aneurysms than women, although women can still get them.
Family history is another major factor. If your parent or sibling had symptoms of bicuspid aortic valve disease or an aneurysm, your risk is higher. Families also pass down genetic conditions that affect connective tissue. Knowing your family history is a powerful tool because it tells your doctor to start screening you earlier than other people.
As an aortic condition advances, you might start to feel specific symptoms. One common sign is feeling breathless, especially when you are active. You might notice that walking up a flight of stairs takes more effort than it used to. Some people feel a sense of heaviness or pressure in their chest. It is not always sharp pain; sometimes it just feels like tightness.
If you have an aneurysm in your belly, you might feel a pulsating sensation near your navel. It can feel like a heartbeat in your stomach. Some people describe a deep, gnawing pain in their back or side that does not go away with movement. If the issue is in the chest, you might develop a cough or a hoarse voice because the enlarged vessel is pressing on the nerves or windpipe nearby.
While you cannot change your genetics, there are many risk factors you can influence. Smoking poses the greatest threat to the aorta. It weakens the walls of the vessel and makes aneurysms grow faster. High blood pressure is another major risk. Uncontrolled blood pressure pounds against the aorta walls day and night, causing them to stretch and weaken over time.
High cholesterol contributes to aortic atherosclerotic disease, where plaque builds up in the arteries. This plaque inflames the vessel wall and makes it fragile. Being overweight and not exercising also puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. The good news is that changing these habits can significantly lower your risk or slow down the progression of the disease.
It is important to know when you should see a doctor. If you have a family history of aortic disease, you should ask for a screening even if you feel fine. If you start to notice new If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or a pulsing sensation in your belly, you should schedule an appointment. These signs do not always mean something is wrong, but it is better to be safe.
If you ever experience sudden, severe pain in your chest or back, do not wait. Please contact emergency services right away. For most people, however, the path involves regular conversations with a primary care doctor. Mention any changes in your energy levels or ability to exercise. Being open about how you feel helps your doctor make the best decisions for your health.
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Usually, it feels like nothing whatsoever. If it gets large, you might feel a steady, deep pain in your back or a pulsing sensation in your belly.
Stress can raise your blood pressure, which is detrimental for the aorta. While stress itself might not cause the disease, it can make the risk factors worse.
Yes, it can run in families. If your parents or siblings had it, let your doctor know so they can check you.
Yes, smoking is one of the most harmful things for the aorta. It weakens the walls and makes aneurysms grow much faster.
If the aortic valve is not working right, blood can back up into your lungs. This condition makes it feel difficult to take a deep breath during activity.
Aortic stenosis is a heart condition where the aortic valve gets narrower. It affects millions of people worldwide. Recent studies show that nearly 5% of
Aortic stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve narrows. It affects millions globally. One of the lesser-known symptoms is coughing. Coughing is often seen
Aortic stenosis is a serious heart valve disease that affects millions globally. Nearly 5% of people over 65 have some form of this condition. It
Atherosclerosis of the aorta is a serious condition. It happens when plaques build up in the aortic wall. This can harm major organs and raise
Atherosclerosis of the aorta is when plaque builds up in the biggest artery in your body. This buildup can lead to mild atherosclerotic changes. These
Aortic atherosclerosis is a serious condition where plaque builds up in the aorta. This can lead to severe heart problems if not treated. At Liv
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