The aorta is the body’s largest blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the entire body, but most people don’t give much thought to their aorta until they experience a problem. The Elaine & Robert Matranga Aortic Center at Hoag wants to change that.
Aortic Disease Awareness Day is an international celebration on September 19. Anthony D. Caffarelli, M.D., Newkirk Family Endowed Chair in Aortic Care, director of the Elaine & Robert Matranga Aortic Center, and director of Hoag Cardiac Surgery, and his team plan to use the day to spread awareness about aortic disease, not only among the community but among physicians and emergency personnel as well.
“Aortic disease is less prevalent than other forms of heart disease, but it is often more serious and can be life-threatening,” Caffarelli said. “Aortic dissection can be a preventable condition. So, it’s important that physicians understand screening recommendations and that people understand their risk.”
What is the Aorta?
The aorta is a bit larger than the width of a garden hose and runs right down the middle of the body. The candy cane-shaped arc acts as the central highway for carrying oxygen-rich blood to the body. Smoking, high blood pressure and certain heritable conditions can heighten the risk of something going wrong with the aorta.
If the aortic wall weakens, the aorta may bulge outward, known as an aortic aneurysm. These aneurysms need to be monitored or treated to prevent an aortic dissection, a tear or complete rupture of the aorta.
“Early detection, monitoring and treatment of aortic disease is vital and lifesaving,” Caffarelli said, “but the recommendations need to be tailored to the individual – personalized care”.
Who should be screened for aortic disease?
All first-degree relatives of someone who experienced a thoracic aortic aneurysm should be screened. Hoag offers the only onsite state-of-the-art 3D imaging lab in Orange County, and Hoag’s aortic radiologists are trained with the latest developments in 3D imaging. Hoag currently offers its patients the most technologically advanced CT Force Scanner, a premier imaging method for the aorta.
Genetic screening for known mutations is also recommended for family members of people affected with aortic aneurysm, dissection or sudden cardiac death.
“Usually, however, people and their doctors don’t know that they should be screened. Instead, aortic aneurysms are discovered accidentally, when a doctor orders an imaging study for a different health care problem,” Caffarelli said. “Addressing these aortic issues prophylactically at the right time can be lifesaving.”
Where can I go for expert aortic care?
The Elaine & Robert Matranga Aortic Center at Hoag is Southern California’s top referral center for aortic disease. The nationally recognized, comprehensive program takes a multidisciplinary approach to caring for complex aortic disease. This includes long-term management, active surveillance, advanced treatment options and 24/7 emergency care.
To learn more, call Hoag for a consultation or second opinion at 949-764-5314 or visit hoag.org/heart.
