Doc Willie Ong on aortic aneurysm: If left untreated, it will cause sudden death

The tragic death of Christine Dacera, 23-year-old flight attendant at Philippine Airlines, happened at Grand Hotel Makati City recently headlined while many were welcoming 2021.

Though the Philippine National Police (PNP) initially reported the case as ‘solved’ while alleging 11 suspects for a rape-slay case, the initial autopsy says otherwise that it was ruptured aortic aneurysm that caused her death.

Cardiologist Willie Ong in his Facebook live video explained the causes and risks of having ruptured aortic aneurysm.

“’Pag aneurysm, ibig sabihin, lumolobo [aorta], so ‘pag lumolobo hindi maganda, baka mapunit ‘to,” Dr. Ong said. Aortic aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in the aorta, the large artery that transports blood from the heart through the chest and torso.

“‘Pag pumutok ang aortic aneurysm, ‘pag hindi ginamot 100% mamamatay,” warns the cardiologist. Therefore, its treatments are either surgery or stent-graft, a synthetic tube-like device to replace a part of an artery that has weakened and swell.

Through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT scan you would be able to find whether you have this illness. Might as well, if a person feels or experiencing any of the symptoms, it is best to see a doctor for proper examination.

Dr. Ong furthers that the pressure of blood pumping can split the layers of the artery wall which will eventually make the blood leak in between them. This process is called dissection. While ‘ruptured’ is a sudden burst that causes the internal part of the body to bleed.

Other causes of ruptured aortic aneurysm are hypertension, trauma, genetic factors, infection in the aorta, cocaine use, atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.

Some of its symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweaty, pale clammy skin, and fainting or passing out.

Dr. Ong said that there are ways that can help reduce risks of aortic aneurysm. Treat and control high blood pressure, treat other heart conditions such as high cholesterol, stop smoking, exercise daily, and eat a heart-healthy diet.