WHAT IS THE AORTA AND WHAT IS AN ANEURYSM?

 

WHAT IS THE AORTA? 

The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body.
It is a very powerful artery and originates in the
heart. The aorta carries oxygenated blood.

It works its way through the chest and abdomen, 
then divides up to supply blood to the legs .

*The heart is a pump that pumps blood around the body.

WHAT IS AN ANEURYSM?

An aneurysm is a bulge or balloon in a blood vessel.

The majority of aneurysms occur in the abdominal 

area.They may also occur along the blood vessels

that divide, after leaving the abdominal area.

An example of this phenomenon is the iliac artery.

Learn more about :Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Learn more about : Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Learn more about: ICP MONITORING for the layperson

Diabetic Retinopathy

This condition affects the blood vessels in the eye.
 Poor vision and possible blindness may result from
 leaking and weakening of the blood vessels.

The diabetic patient is also at risk for stroke.

The consequences of poor circulation

The patient who has heart failure,
is also at risk for stroke or renal failure.
The diabetic patient is also at risk for stroke.

            
Aortic rupture may occur as a result of trauma.
Shortness of breath, chest or upper back pain
are some of the symptoms.

Cardiac Tamponade may be caused by penetrating 
trauma such as a knife wound. Pericardiocentesis
is usually done to remove the blood in the pericardial
sac. Learn more, by clicking on the link below:
 The Circulatory System