Chest pain may signal a serious aortic condition. A specialist from Mayapada Hospital Surabaya explains the symptoms, risks, and advanced treatment options available.
Many people ignore chest pain, assuming it is a minor complaint such as fatigue or an upset stomach. However, under certain conditions, chest pain can be an important signal from the body indicating a serious problem, including one involving the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Dr Yan Efrata Sembiring, Sp.B., SpBTKV(K) – VE at Mayapada Hospital Surabaya explained, “Disorders of the aorta can progress rapidly and pose serious risks, such as a tear in the aortic wall (dissection) or a widening (aneurysm) that affects blood flow throughout the body. Early detection is crucial because with proper examination, doctors can identify problems with the aorta, allowing treatment, including surgery if necessary, to be carried out more safely and effectively.”
In some cases, this condition is characterised by shortness of breath, cold sweats, and severe, sharp chest pain that may feel as though the chest is being torn or that radiates to the back. In certain circumstances, aortic dilation can also affect heart valve function, requiring more complex treatment.
One procedure that can be performed is the Bentall procedure, developed by Hugh Bentall and Antony De Bono. This procedure replaces the damaged portion of the aorta and the affected heart valve, allowing optimal heart function to be restored.
“Treating aortic disorders requires a precise diagnosis, especially if the heart valve is involved. Through the Bentall procedure, replacement of the aorta and the affected heart valve can be carried out comprehensively in a single operation, thereby maintaining the stability of blood flow and heart function,” said Dr Yan.
Therefore, chest pain should not be dismissed as a minor complaint. Recognising symptoms early and seeking prompt medical attention are essential for receiving appropriate treatment.
Supporting this effort, Mayapada Hospital Surabaya provides a Heart & Vascular Center, strengthened by three main pillars:
- Emergency Excellence through the Chest Pain Unit, which focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and initial treatment of chest pain, whether cardiac or non-cardiac. This includes clinical examinations, ECG tests, blood tests, and other supporting investigations. Initial examinations are free if no cardiac indications are found. Patients requiring further care can also access the hospital’s 24/7 Cardiac Emergency service, supported by on-site specialist and subspecialist doctors.
- Advanced Treatment, which includes services for vascular conditions, arrhythmias, and structural heart abnormalities such as valve disease, delivered through a modern and comprehensive medical approach.
- Team-Based Management, where clinical decisions and treatment plans are determined collaboratively through the Cardiac Board, consisting of 17 experienced doctors including cardiologists, cardiovascular thoracic surgeons, cardiovascular anaesthesiologists, and paediatric cardiologists.
This multidisciplinary approach helps determine the most appropriate course of action, ranging from Coronary Angiography (CAG) and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), including complex PCI procedures, to the treatment of heart valve and vascular disorders, heart rhythm problems, and advanced heart failure therapy supported by the latest Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) technology.
These services are also supported by a Cardiac Advisor, who accompanies patients and their families from the beginning of treatment through to recovery. This ensures that every medical decision is clearly understood, treatment proceeds smoothly, and patients’ questions are answered quickly and accurately.
Information about heart health from Mayapada Hospital doctors can also be accessed through the MyCare app via the Health Articles & Tips feature. In addition, users can monitor their fitness through the Personal Health feature, which tracks heart rate, steps, calories burned, and Body Mass Index (BMI).