What is aortic atherosclerosis

We performed TEE in 60 patients 47 men and 13 women; age range , mean The number of diseased vessels was based on the Coronary Artery Surgery Study criteria.

So even if you have no symptoms, having this disease makes you more likely to have serious problems such as:. Atherosclerosis of the aorta can be treated with lifestyle changes and medicines that help lower your risk of serious complications. These medicines include:. You may also get a CT computed tomography or MRI magnetic resonance imaging scan to check the health of your aorta. 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 call line 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. Call anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:. Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if you have any problems. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: Elizabeth T. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional.

Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Important Phone Numbers. Topic Contents What is atherosclerosis of the aorta? How is it treated? How can you care for yourself at home? When should you call for help? When this point is reached, the wall begins to dilate grow larger in the area of the plaque.

As the diameter of the vessel grows, the wall tension increases, leading to even more dilation. The end result is an aneurysm. We are forging the way for innovative and improved treatment options for aortic diseases.

The University of Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Center is home to the International Registry of Aortic Dissection, and several research laboratories that are exploring the molecular etiologies of aortic diseases. Through research, we are helping to advance the best treatment options for all types of aortic diseases.

If the levels of cholesterol in your blood are too high, it can clog your arteries. It becomes a hard plaque that restricts or blocks blood circulation to your heart and other organs. As you age, your heart and blood vessels work harder to pump and receive blood. Your arteries may stiffen and become less elastic, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup. Your doctor will perform a physical exam if you have symptoms of atherosclerosis.

A cardiologist may listen to your heart to see if you have any atypical sounds. Your doctor will order more tests if they think you may have atherosclerosis. Treatment involves changing your current lifestyle to decrease the amount of fat and cholesterol you consume. You can exercise more to improve the health of your heart and blood vessels. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes as the first line of treatment. You may also need additional medical treatments, such as medications or surgery.

Aspirin can be particularly effective for people with a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. An aspirin regimen discussed with your doctor may potentially lower your risk of having another health event if you already have atherosclerosis. The U. Preventive Services Task Force recently released updated guidelines on using aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

These guidelines may be relevant in discussions with your doctor. If you have no history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, only use aspirin as a preventive medication if your risk of bleeding is low and your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is high. Always discuss an aspirin regimen with your doctor first. If symptoms are especially severe or if muscle or skin tissue are endangered, surgery may be necessary. Many factors place you at risk for atherosclerosis.

If atherosclerosis runs in your family , you may be at risk for hardening of the arteries. You can inherit this condition, as well as other heart-related problems.