Aortic disease is the 13th leading cause of death in Western Countries. In California alone, 43,000 patients die annually from aortic disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is greater than the aggregate number of people who die annually from breast cancer, homicides, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer and motor vehicle accidents.
The aorta is the largest artery in the body. Oxygen-rich blood enters the aorta and the heart pumps the blood out of the aorta, where it travels to the rest of the body.
When affected by disease, the aorta can split (dissection) or dilate (aneurysm) and in either case, the rupture may have fatal results.
Three types of aortic aneurysms can be classified as:
A variety of diseases and conditions can cause damage to the aorta and put patients at life-threatening risk.
Those conditions include:
MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute specializes in minimally invasive heart procedures. With these innovative techniques, patients benefit from fewer complications, less scarring, greater comfort and faster recoveries. Distinguished as a leading heart and vascular institute.
This setting allows you to view available services and providers associated with your preferred location. You can change this setting at any time.
Cookies are required to view location specific content.
We’ve developed a new tool on our website allowing you to see content most relevant to you and your preferred location. It’s our way of making the information you need, more personalized.
You’ll find this feature labeled “Set My Location” throughout the website. Most often, you’ll see it in the top left corner of every page.
You’ll also find a feature that allows you to set your location temporarily, as seen below.