According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of Americans live with heart valve disease, including silent aneurysms and valve disorders. Each year, tens of thousands are newly diagnosed with aortic aneurysms or suffer aortic dissection.
What is Aortic Disease?
Experts with Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care, comprised of Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Lynn Heart & Vascular Institute, and locations in Palm Beach, say aortic disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the aorta. These include:
Bradley S. Taylor, M.D., MPH,
- Aneurysms: Weak or bulging areas in the aortic wall that can rupture if left untreated.
- Dissections: Tears within the layers of the aortic wall, often causing sudden and severe complications.
- Aortic Valve Disease: Conditions that affect the functioning of the valve and thus blood flow from the heart.
Why Early Detection Is Critical with Aortic Disease
Tom Nguyen, M.D., FACS, FAC, Chief Medical Executive of Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care, Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery, and Barry T. Katzen Endowed Chair at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, and Professor and Chair of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, is an internationally recognized cardiac surgeon and global leader in minimally invasive valve surgery.
According to Dr. Nguyen, these aortic diseases often progress quietly. In fact, many people with aortic disease don’t experience any warning signs until complications arise. “The greatest danger with aortic disease is often what you don’t feel. Silent progression can occur for years before symptoms suddenly appear,” he says.
As a result, early detection is the single most important factor for preventing tragic outcomes, adds Dr. Nguyen. “Aortic disease is often caught when a patient gets imaging for something unrelated, or through screening for patients considered to be at higher risk for the disease,” he explains.
Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care physicians use advanced imaging technologies and personalized risk assessments to help detect and treat aortic disease. Screening tools such as ultrasounds, CT scans, and genetic testing allow them to spot a problem with the aorta before it becomes an emergency.
Who Is at Risk for Aortic Disease?
Bradley S. Taylor, M.D., MPH, chief of cardiac surgery at Lynn Heart & Vascular Institute and chief of quality and outcomes for Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care, has more than 23 years of experience in all areas of adult cardiac surgery and treats more than 450 complex cardiac cases per year.
According to Dr. Taylor, there are five risk factors that can make development of aortic disease more likely:
- Age: Especially for those over 65
- Family History: Relatives with aortic aneurysms or heart disease
- Smoking: A major cause of vessel damage and aneurysm formation
- High Blood Pressure or High Cholesterol: These conditions can weaken the aortic wall
- Genetic Conditions: Such as Marfan syndrome or Loeys-Dietz syndrome, genetic connective tissue disorders that affect the aorta and vessels, among other structures.
Symptoms of Aortic Disease: What to Watch For
Dr. Taylor says that aortic disease can be silent but when symptoms do appear, they require urgent medical attention. Some of the most common symptoms to watch for include:
- Sudden, intense chest or back pain
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent cough or hoarseness
- Unexpected fainting or near-fainting spells
Dr. Taylor urges, “If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms—especially if you’re already at higher risk—seek emergency care immediately. Minutes matter in these situations.”
Innovations in Treating Aortic Disease: A New Era
Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care is leading the way in aortic disease management, thanks in large part to its commitment to innovation. In the past, open-heart surgery was the only way to repair the aorta. Now, Dr. Nguyen and his team address complex valve problems by focusing on the least invasive approach and tailoring each treatment to the patient’s unique needs.
According to Dr. Nguyen, Baptist Health physicians continue to pioneer the field, performing many first-in-man procedures – not just in Florida but worldwide. Many have developed new devices and techniques and performed medical “firsts,” he adds.
With the launch of the Center for Aortic Disease, part of Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care, patients now have a multidisciplinary team of experts by their side in South Florida. “Our Center for Aortic Disease is dedicated to providing patients the highest level of expertise and innovative treatments for aortic conditions,” says Dr. Nguyen.
Many patients benefit from less invasive techniques such as endovascular stent grafts and transcatheter valve procedures, which offer faster recovery and lower complication rates, Dr. Nguyen says. “Patients with minimally invasive procedures have decreased need for blood transfusions, a shorter hospital stay and ultimately a faster recovery.”
Taking Steps to Protect Your Aortic Health
Dr. Nguyen emphasizes that understanding your personal risk profile is essential for making informed healthcare decisions. “A significant number of patients who come into our care didn’t realize their genetic or lifestyle factors placed them at risk,” he says. “Awareness saves lives.”
There are five important steps you can take—at any age—to reduce your risk and support a healthy aorta, according to Dr. Nguyen:
- Get Screened: If you’re over 50 or have a family history of aortic disease or related conditions, regular screenings may be recommended.
- Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: These are major contributors to vessel health.
- Quit Smoking: This remains one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your cardiovascular system.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and healthy body weight all play key roles.
- Know the Signs: Be ready to act if symptoms suddenly arise.
Dr. Nguyen advocates for open conversations with your healthcare provider. “Staying on top of your risk factors and getting regular check-ups are powerful tools for prevention. Our goal at Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care is to help you avoid emergencies by catching issues early.”
Click here to learn more about aortic disease and treatments available with Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care.
