Aortic Diseases: An Issue of Cardiology Clinics

Aorta is the biggest artery in the human body. The heart pumps the oxygen-rich blood into the aorta through the aortic valve, which opens and closes with the heartbeat. When aortic valve opens, the blood flows to the rest of the body through smaller arteries that branch out from it. Aortic diseases and conditions usually occur when the aorta or aortic valve of a patient's heart gets damaged or is not able to function normally. Many disorders and ailments can damage the aorta, putting patients at serious risk of death. There are various types of aortic diseases such as aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, aortic infection, aortic intramural hematoma, aortobronchial fistula (ABF), aortoenteric fistula (AEF), etc. Aortic aneurysm is a condition when a section of aorta becomes enlarged whereas in aortic dissection, a tear appears in the aorta. Such selected concepts that redefine the study of aortic diseases have been presented in this book. It is a collective contribution of a renowned group of international experts. This book will prove to be immensely beneficial to students and researchers in the field of cardiology.