Aortic aneurysms, weakened, bulging areas in the aorta, the body's main artery, are an emerging health crisis in Indian men over 45. The causes range from hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, trauma, and genetic conditions. Most aneurysms are asymptomatic but can lead to a life-threatening rupture, causing sudden, severe pain and requiring emergency surgery.
Doctors speak of aneurysms as an overlooked cardiovascular condition. Experts in cardiothoracic surgery warn that this silent but deadly condition is escalating in prevalence and contributing to a growing number of cardiac-related deaths both globally and in India. They stress the critical need for enhanced awareness, routine screening, and early intervention to combat this health crisis effectively.
Dr. Swapneel Karne, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Sahyadri Hospital, Pune, highlights that many Indian men remain unaware of the risks posed by aneurysms, which often develop without obvious symptoms, with common signs such as dull back pain, fatigue, or abdominal discomfort frequently misattributed to less serious issues like acidity or muscle strain. This delayed recognition results in nearly half of aneurysm cases being diagnosed only after a rupture or dissection, when treatment becomes significantly more complex and survival chances diminish.
A shift in preventive heart health practices is urgently required. Karne emphasises that men with risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease, should undergo regular screening for aneurysms, much like they do for blood pressure or cholesterol. He advocates for the integration of simple diagnostic tools like ultrasound or CT scans in routine health check-ups and urges primary care physicians to be vigilant about vague symptoms that could indicate aneurysms. Public health campaigns should also include education about aneurysms as a potentially treatable condition if detected early.
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Dr. Gauranga Majumdar, Director and Head of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at Medanta, Lucknow, concurs that early diagnosis is pivotal in managing aortic aneurysms effectively. He points out that the survival rate drops sharply after an aneurysm rupture, and many patients only learn of their condition when facing a critical emergency.
He notes encouraging advances in surgical and minimally invasive treatment techniques, including the Frozen Elephant Trunk procedure for complex thoracic aneurysms and endovascular repairs (EVAR/TEVAR) that reduce recovery time and hospital stays. Despite these advances, he stresses that such treatments depend entirely on early detection.
His advice? Men over 45, especially those with hypertension, a history of smoking, or heart disease in the family, should include aneurysm screening in their preventive health check-ups. He describes these screenings as painless, quick, and potentially life-saving procedures. However, he acknowledges that, unlike checks for cholesterol or diabetes, aneurysm screening has yet to become a standard component of routine health assessments in India, a gap that needs swift attention.
Dr. Vijayant Devenraj, Director and Head of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at Max Healthcare, Lucknow, identifies the invisible nature of aortic aneurysms as the core challenge in combating their risks. He notes that many patients are unaware of their aneurysm until mild, non-specific symptoms prompt medical evaluation. He underscores that men with risk factors such as chronic hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, and family history are statistically more susceptible to developing this condition, yet many slip through the cracks due to a lack of awareness and the absence of screening protocols.
He emphasises that routine screening for aneurysms should be incorporated into standard preventive health check-ups across India. Simple non-invasive tests like abdominal ultrasound or CT angiography are effective in identifying aneurysms before symptoms arise. Early diagnosis, he explains, not only prevents emergencies such as rupture but also facilitates access to safer, less invasive treatment options.
The doctors make a compelling case for urgent action: aortic aneurysm awareness needs to be heightened among healthcare providers and the public alike, and screening should become a regular part of preventive care for men above 45.
In a country grappling with high cardiovascular mortality, the focus on aortic aneurysms could save thousands of lives by transforming a silent killer into a manageable health condition. The call from experts is clear: integrating aneurysm education and screening into routine health care for at-risk populations must become a priority. Early detection stands as the most crucial step in preventing a health crisis that has remained largely unrecognised until now.
