Last October 23, 2017, the Division of Vascular Medicine, of the Philippine Medical Center conducted a media and lay forum entitled “Ugat ng Buhay” The forum aims to spread awareness and information regarding aortic diseases.
Also known as “vascular emergencies”, 3% out of 100, 000 persons die because of aortic diseases. About 1% of deaths related to cardiovascular disorders is because of these vascular emergencies. It is the number one cause of death in the Philippines.
Additionally, 202 million people around the world have clogged blood vessels in their extremities or hands and feet. Studies show that 7% of these have undergone bypass operation while 20% of the cases resulted in the amputation of the affected limb.
In the Philippines, 10% of the population have clogged blood vessels. Alarmingly, 50% of patients die.
According to Cleveland Clinic, a center for medical education in Ohio, United States, cases of aortic diseases is expected to rise with the increasing age of the population, that’s why early detection and prevention is needed to stop these killers.
The aorta is the main vessel that sends blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. It is shaped like a candy cane and is typically about as wide as a garden hose (2.5-3.5 cm). When blood is pumped by the heart, it first travels through the aorta.
When affected by disease, the aorta can split (dissection) or dilate (aneurysm) and in either case, the rupture may have fatal results, according to an article posted in the website of Johns Hopkins medicine.