Although aortic disease is less common than many types of heart disease, conditions that affect the health of your aorta can be life-threatening. That’s why early detection, monitoring, and treatment of acute and chronic aortic disease are vital.

The aorta is the body’s largest and most important artery. It carries oxygen-rich blood from your heart to vital structures and organs. Aortic disease can put your heart and your whole body at risk. It can occur when:

• The aortic wall is weakened or damaged, causing a tear (aortic dissection) or bulge (aortic aneurysm) that ruptures.
• The heart’s aortic valve narrows or doesn’t open fully.
• There is a blockage in the aorta (aortic occlusive disease).

As is true for many heart problems, smoking and high blood pressure can heighten the risk of an acute aortic syndrome or chronic aortic disease. Your genes and certain medical conditions may also play a role in problems of the aorta.

Advancing Aortic Disease Care in the Heart of North Texas

Within the dedicated Texas Health Fort Worth Aortic Center, cardiothoracic and vascular/ endovascular surgeons on the medical staff at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth work together to ensure patients with acute and chronic aortic disease have access to quality care.

Physicians on the medical staff at Texas Health Fort Worth perform an array of innovative open, minimally invasive, and hybrid surgeries within the Aortic Center to repair and manage traumatic aneurysm, aortic dissection, and occlusive disease. This clinical skill is enhanced by the advanced cardiovascular imaging and medical technology offered at Texas Health Fort Worth and Texas Health Physicians Group specialty practices.

Treatment Options for Acute Aortic Syndromes

Acute aortic syndromes are conditions that affect sections of the aorta in your chest (thoracic) and abdomen. Acute aortic syndromes usually require urgent treatment, with many people needing surgery to repair the damage in the aorta. The damaged portion may be removed and replaced with a synthetic graft.

Treatment Options for Chronic Aortic Disease

Some types of aortic disease happen as a result of connective tissue disease present at birth, blood vessel disease, an infection or inflammation, or another problem that develops over time.

Physicians on the medical staff at Texas Health Fort Worth may recommend regular imaging and screenings within the Aortic Center for patients with chronic aortic disease to determine the status of the condition and assess the need for further intervention. Some conditions may be treated with immune-suppressing medications or corticosteroids. Corrective surgery may be required for aneurysms that enlarge or if additional symptoms arise.

Whether you need emergency aortic surgery or management for a chronic condition, the Texas Health Fort Worth Aortic Center is the place for effective treatment. And your care doesn’t stop there. Aortic disease often requires lifelong management. In communication and coordination with your own cardiologist and primary care provider, the Aortic Center staff follows your progress and recovery to ensure you receive all necessary future care.

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth Aortic Center
1301 Pennsylvania Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76104

For more information, call 682-236-5800 (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week)