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Informative Speech On Aorta

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Definition

The aorta is the largest artery of the body. Its job is to disperse blood to smaller arteries to be sure all of the parts of the body receive an efficient supply of well oxygenated blood. This artery connects to the aortic valve of the heart. This valve opens and closes, so blood can leave the heart. It has to close completely and open widely for the right amount of blood to be able to flow through. If there are any problems with it, and it can't push through blood from the aorta, a person might end up needing aortic valve replacement surgery.

Symptoms

The symptoms of problems with the aortic valve are similar to that of a heart attack. There is chest pain and pressure that some describe as feeling like the heart is being squeezed. The heart might also have a sensation of fullness that seems different, and the left arm might also go numb. Some of the other symptoms include:

Breaking out in a cold sweat
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Vomiting

Treatment …show more content…

First, a cardiologist will determine how serious a person's condition is. Sometimes, the problem is minor, and it can be repaired. But, if the aortic valve has completely stopped functioning, then surgery must be done quickly to keep the person alive. This usually requires a complete replacement of the valve with either a donated human aortic valve, a patient's own pulmonary valve, or a pig or cow heart valve. The surgery is tedious and stressful on the body, and unfortunately, the heart valve will wear out over time. Because of this, mechanical aortic valves are usually used on younger patients, so they don't have to go through the painful surgery again later

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