Qatar – Following the unexpected death of legendary American sports journalist Grant Wahl, his wife revealed that he died of a previously undiagnosed aortic aneurysm.
Wahl, a 49-year-old American journalist who helped boost the popularity of soccer in the United States, died on Friday while covering the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, his wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, said in a statement.
According to Gounder, Wahl died of an aortic aneurysm that caused him shortness of breath on December 3, a few days before the US game against the Netherlands.
“My body finally gave up,” Wahl wrote on his sports blog on December 5. “What was a cold later turned into something more severe, causing pressure and discomfort in my chest,” he said.
However, after treatment, Wahl insisted that he was beginning to recover. However, a few days later, he collapsed when he leaned back in his seat at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, and a few days later, died in hospital.
Gounder wrote, “No amount of first aid would have saved him.” “His death was not related to coronavirus and not related to vaccination status. There was nothing vague or ambiguous about his death.”
What is an Aortic Aneurysm?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an aortic aneurysm is a balloon-shaped bulge in the aorta, a large artery that carries blood from the heart through the chest and torso. ,
The suspicious lump tends to get larger over time, which can sometimes cause internal pain and even life-threatening internal bleeding, says the CDC.
While aneurysms can develop anywhere along the length of the aorta, the CDC states that most occur in the chest and abdominal region, where they grow more slowly and are therefore more difficult to detect.
What is the cause of aortic aneurysm?
According to The Texas Heart Institute, an independent nonprofit organization focused on cardiovascular research, an aortic aneurysm can be caused by any condition that weakens the walls of the arteries. High blood pressure and smoking can also increase its development.
Other conditions that can cause an aortic aneurysm include plaque buildup in the arteries, injuries that cause tears along the artery walls, and genetic conditions such as Loeys-Dietz syndrome or Turner syndrome.
What are the symptoms of aortic aneurysm?
The Texas Heart Institute states that an aortic aneurysm can cause shortness of breath, a hoarse or hoarse voice, back pain, or pain in the left shoulder or between the shoulder blades.
Meanwhile, an aortic aneurysm can cause pain or tenderness in the abdominal area, upset stomach or loss of appetite.
The symptoms of an aneurysm are very similar to those of cardiac arrest, so it is generally advised to seek medical attention if you develop these signs.
How is aortic aneurysm prevented?
To prevent an aortic aneurysm or prevent one from getting worse, the Mayo Clinic advises people to exercise, eat healthy, not smoke, and keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control.
The US Preventive Services Task Force advises men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked to have an ultrasound to check for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, even if they don’t have symptoms.
How is aortic aneurysm treated?
The Texas Institute explains that treatment depends on the size and location of your aneurysm and your overall health.
Aortic aneurysms in the upper chest (ascending aorta) are usually operated on immediately, whereas aneurysms in the lower chest or abdomen may not be life-threatening.
Once identified, aneurysms are observed for varying periods of time, depending on their size. If they reach about 5 cm (about 2″) in diameter, become larger, or start to cause symptoms, you may need surgery to prevent the aneurysm from rupturing.
What is the difference between an aortic aneurysm and a heart attack?
Aortic aneurysm and heart attack have similar symptoms, such as severe pain in the chest, back, or abdomen, shortness of breath, pain in the arms or legs, and weakness or excessive sweating, so It is important to get tested if these symptoms occur.
Aortic dissection is life-threatening and must be treated immediately. If you or someone you are with has these symptoms, call 911 right away. Even if it’s not aortic dissection, it could be a heart attack, stroke or other serious health problem, says SecondsCount, a professional organization of cardiologists and doctors who diagnose and treat heart disease. We do.
According to the CDC, amputations were the cause of 9,904 deaths in 2019. History of smoking accounts for about 75% of all abdominal aortic aneurysms on average.
