Tortuous Aorta

Hi - 50 year-old male, got a chest x-ray because of possible pnemonia (pneumonia) or other complications (had Flu-like symptoms for a while, difficulty breathing, smoking for "forever"). On antibiotics, feeling much better.

The report comes back saying lungs are clear, but I have a "tortuous Aorta" which I suppose means twisted. Can't find a thing on the internet about this. Is this dangerous, what causes this, and what to do about it? I have perfect stats....BP 115/70, no diabetes, no other heart disease that I know of (had every heart test imaginable throughout the years and always perfect). The only issue I ever had was palpitations which were diagnosed as a minor electrical issue, and anxiety issues. I am NOT on any meds whatsoever.

[jrizzuto]

I guess no one heard of this?

[raw3]

I too have had some breathing problems of late that started with a dry cough and moved into what is be checked out as adult Asthma ...My  xrays were negative . I dropped them off at my specialist office this afternoon . I looked at the file notes and saw " mildly twisted Aorta " ..wondered what the heck this is ?? Hence I am on this email

[bobbie_jo]

i am also trying to find out info on a twisted aorta.. grr...

[4bopp]

I , too, have a mildy tortuosity of the aorta.  I read somewhere that it could come from long standing high bp.

[joecat69]

52, coughing on and off for about 5 years, some breathing problems, just found out I have adult asthma, blew my rib out from coughing and went for xrays-xrays ok but I have a slightly twisted Aorta-Doc said I'll see you March 19-I 'm guessing it's nothing serious.

[mavairo]

i have been expiriencing chest pains on my left fofr about two weeks and im scared toigo to hospital could i be suffering from heart desease coz i alwats have sleepless nights and nsausea lpease help

[ladylaura135]

I have just recovered from pneumonia, have to get repeat chest x ray in 2 weeks. on antibiotics 10 days . feeling better. still short of breath. pulse rate stays under 50's, cold feet and hand. had heart cath in 2002, irregular rythym, palpitations occasionally , chest pain, shortness of breath all thi time. Father also with heart history, MI, he coughs continually! wondering more about this tortuous aorta stuff. ?????????????????????Is there new procedure medically or anything they can do for this other than a pacemaker? I am 46 almost 47 years old. Lady Laura.

[kenkeith]

Med-help archives has numerous threads on the subject of tortuous aorta.  Generally it refers to twists, turns, etc. of the largest and main vessel (aorta).  High blood pressure can exacerbate the condition.  Also, the irregularity of the vessel will increase the resistance of the blood flow and the extra burden on the heart can develop a medical problem (enlarge the left ventricle)..