Sudden Chest Pain? It Could Signal a Dangerous Aorta
Sudden chest pain? The aorta could be in danger
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Many people ignore chest pain, assuming it is a mild complaint such as fatigue or stomach upset. In fact, under certain conditions, chest pain can be an important signal from the body indicating serious disorders, including the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Dr. Yan Efrata Sembiring at Mayapada Hospital Surabaya explains that disorders of the aorta can progress rapidly and pose serious risks, such as tearing of the aorta wall (dissection), or dilation (aneurysm) that affects blood flow to the entire body.
‘Detection at an early stage is very important because with the right examinations, doctors can identify problems with the aorta, so treatment, including surgical intervention if necessary, can be carried out more safely and effectively,’ he said in a written statement, Thursday (5/3/2026).
In several cases, these disorders are marked by shortness of breath, cold sweat, and sudden, severe chest pain that is sharp, often described as torn or radiating to the back. In certain conditions, dilation of the aorta can also affect the function of the heart valves, requiring more complex treatment.
One procedure that can be performed is Bentall, developed by Hugh Bentall and Antony De Bono. This procedure replaces the damaged section of the aorta as well as the affected heart valve, so that heart function can recover optimally.
‘Ventage of treating aortic disorders requires accurate diagnosis, especially when the valve is involved. Through the Bentall procedure, the 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.
Thus, chest pain is not just a mild complaint that can be ignored. Recognising the symptoms early and seeking medical assessment promptly is an important step to obtain appropriate treatment.
To support these efforts, Mayapada Hospital Surabaya has established the Heart and Vascular Center, reinforced by three main pillars: Emergency Excellence through the Chest Pain Unit focused on evaluation, diagnosis, and initial management of chest pain, whether due to cardiac or non-cardiac conditions, through clinical examination, electrocardiography (ECG), blood tests, and other supporting investigations.
Initial examinations are free if no cardiac indication is found, and referrals are available through the 24/7 Cardiac Emergency service supported by on-site specialists and sub-specialists.
Advanced Treatment includes vascular services, rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), and structural heart abnormalities such as valve disease with the latest approaches. In addition, Team-Based Management ensures clinical decisions and treatment plans are established through active collaboration in the Cardiac Board with 17 experienced doctors ranging from heart specialists, cardiovascular thoracic surgeons, cardiovascular anaesthetists, to paediatric cardiologists.
This multidisciplinary approach helps determine the most appropriate actions, from Coronary Angiography (CAG), Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), including Complex PCI, treatment of valve and vascular heart disorders, arrhythmias, to advanced heart failure therapy with the latest left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). The service is also supported by Cardiac Advisor who accompanies patients and families comprehensively from the outset through recovery, ensuring every medical decision is clearly understood, care proceeds smoothly, and any patient concerns are addressed quickly and accurately.
Information on heart health from Mayapada Hospital doctors can be accessed through the MyCare app in the Health Articles and Tips feature. Additionally, you can monitor fitness through the Personal Health feature to calculate heart rate, steps, calories burned, and Body Mass Index (BMI).