3 Unknown Causes of Silent Killer Aortic Aneurysm

Prof. Korhan Erkanlı, MD from the Cardiovascular Surgery Department of Medipol Mega University Hospital warned, “Aortic aneurysm, also known as Einstein's disease, can progress without showing any symptoms until the vessel ruptures. If you have high blood pressure, Marfan syndrome and similar genetic diseases, heart valve diseases, especially bicuspid aortic valve diseases and a family history of cardiovascular disease, you should see a specialist without any delay. Otherwise, there is a high risk of death in case of a vessel rupture.”

Prof. Korhan Erkanlı, MD from the Cardiovascular Surgery Department of Medipol Mega University Hospital, explained what should be known about the silent and insidious aortic aneurysm in the aorta that gives life to the body. Erkanlı, listing the causes of aortic aneurysm, said that high blood pressure, Marfan syndrome and genetic diseases can cause aortic aneurysm. People who are experiencing aortic enlargement (aneurysm), which is called ‘silent killer’ because it does not show any symptoms, started to come to emergency service with a last stage vessel rupture. Due to the silent progression of this disease, people ignore the vague pain and neglect the doctor follow-ups because of the fear of COVID-19. If you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, you should be examined as soon as possible. Examinations at early stage save lives.” 

5,5 cm Aneurysm in the Vein is Surgical Limit

Erkanlı warned that aortic aneurysm can progress for years without showing any symptoms, and said in a written statement;

“After reaching a certain critical stage, the risk of rupture increases considerably. We consider 5.5 cm as the surgical limit, since the risk of life increases. Surgery is absolutely necessary, if there is rapid growth before reaching the surgical margin of 5.5 cm or at 5.5 cm. If it exceeds 5.5 cm, the annual risk of rupture varies between 6 to 10 percent. If it exceeds 6 to 10 cm, the annual risk of rupture reaches up to 20 percent. Even in these patients, this disease does not show any symptoms. If aortic aneurysm is accompanied by heart valve disease, patients may have complaints such as getting tired fast, shortness of breath, pressure sensation in chest, and hoarseness. But 80% of the patients have no symptoms or problems. For this reason, regular cardiovascular assessments are crucial.”

The solution is Stent, if the aneurysm is not from the heart

Explaining the treatment types in aortic aneurysm, Erkanlı continued his words as below;

There may be aortic aneurysm coming from three regions; from the heart, inside the two rib cages and inside the abdomen. Each aneurysm has different treatments. If it is in the chest and abdomen region, stent treatment can be applied as an alternative, but surgery is a must for the aneurysm from the heart. The risk of the surgery is about 2 to 3 percent if there is no rupture. The full recovery time of the patients, who can return to their daily life very quick in the same day, take between 45 days to 2 months.”