The Most Severe Areas Affected by Aortic Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a serious condition that can significantly impact the aorta, the largest artery in the body. The most dangerous complications often occur in the thoracic and abdominal regions of the aorta. This artery originates from the heart, extends through the chest as the thoracic aorta, and continues into the abdomen, where it branches into the renal arteries and eventually supplies blood to the legs. As a major conduit for blood flow throughout the body, the aorta is particularly vulnerable to atherosclerotic damage, which can lead to life-threatening conditions such as aortic aneurysms and aortic dissection.

Understanding Aortic Dissection and Aneurysms

The aortic wall is structured similarly to a layered wall or a wafer cookie, consisting of multiple layers. Atherosclerosis can weaken these layers, potentially causing a hematoma to form between them. This condition, known as aortic dissection, can result in severe internal bleeding and compromise blood flow to vital organs. In some cases, it can lead to pericardial effusion or hemorrhage, interrupting blood supply and potentially causing sudden cardiac arrest or death.

Impact on Other Major Arteries

Major arteries throughout the body—such as the coronary arteries supplying the heart, the carotid arteries leading to the brain, the renal arteries serving the kidneys, and the arteries in the lower limbs—are also prone to atherosclerosis due to their similar structural composition to the aorta.

Cardiac Complications

When atherosclerosis affects the coronary arteries, it can lead to myocardial infarction or heart attack. Plaque buildup restricts blood flow to the heart muscle, increasing the risk of cardiac events. Similarly, atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries can result in plaque formation that may break loose and travel to the brain, potentially causing a stroke due to cerebral ischemia or thrombosis.

Kidney and Limb Damage

Renal artery atherosclerosis can cause narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease and, eventually, renal failure. In the lower limbs, peripheral artery disease caused by atherosclerosis can lead to insufficient blood supply to the muscles and skin, resulting in pain, ulcers, and even tissue necrosis in severe cases.