Kolkata, January 21, 2026:
With growing global recognition of the aorta as a distinct and critically important organ, leading medical experts have raised serious concern over the increasing incidence of complex and super-complex aortic diseases in Eastern India. Specialists at Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur, have observed a steady rise in advanced aortic cases, underscoring the urgent need for greater public and clinical awareness, early diagnosis, and timely intervention.
The aorta, the body’s largest artery, plays a vital role in supplying oxygenated blood to all major organs. Recent medical advancements have led to its reclassification as a separate organ system due to the complexity of diseases affecting it and the highly specialized expertise required for treatment. Conditions such as aortic aneurysms, dissections, and complex arch and thoraco-abdominal pathologies demand precise diagnosis, advanced imaging, and coordinated multidisciplinary care. Alarmingly, many cases are detected late, as symptoms often mimic those of cardiac emergencies, particularly heart attacks.
Over the past few years, Narayana RN Tagore Hospital has witnessed patients travelling from across Eastern India—including Odisha (Bhubaneswar), Mizoram, Manipur—as well as other parts of the country and neighboring Bhutan, seeking evaluation and management of advanced aortic conditions. Doctors note that nearly 30 percent of aortic cases are initially misdiagnosed as heart-related problems, as both conditions commonly present with sudden chest pain. Unlike heart attacks, however, acute aortic events can progress rapidly, carrying a significantly high risk of mortality within the first 24 hours if not promptly identified and treated.
Dr. Atanu Saha, Senior Consultant – Cardiac Surgery at Narayana RN Tagore Hospital and lead of the aortic surgery programme, said,
“Aortic diseases are often silent or misunderstood until they become emergencies. The overlap of symptoms with heart attacks frequently leads to delayed diagnosis. Early use of CT scans and echocardiography (ECHO) in patients presenting with chest pain can help differentiate aortic conditions from cardiac causes and guide appropriate management. Self-medication or delay in seeking medical attention in such situations should be strictly avoided.”
Dr. Saha further highlighted that while aortic disease is commonly associated with older individuals, a growing number of patients in the 30–40-year age group, particularly tall individuals, are now being diagnosed. Patients with congenital conditions such as defective aortic valves, those with uncontrolled hypertension, smoking habits, and women during pregnancy are at higher risk. He also clarified the common misconception that patients with pacemakers are not affected by aortic disease.
Emphasizing the need for a team-based approach, Dr. Shuvro H. Roy Choudhury, Director & Clinical Lead – Interventional & Endovascular Radiology, stated,
“Management of complex aortic disease demands a truly multidisciplinary approach. At our centre, cardiac surgeons, vascular specialists, interventional teams and imaging experts work together to determine the safest and most effective treatment pathway for each patient. Supported by advanced CT imaging, catheterisation laboratories and open surgical capabilities, this integrated model enables accurate diagnosis, timely intervention and improved outcomes—even in high-risk aortic conditions.”
Adding to this, Dr. Lalit Kapoor, Senior Consultant – Cardiac Surgery, noted that aortic surgery is a super-super-speciality domain, requiring additional expertise beyond conventional cardiac surgery.
“Optimal care for the aorta requires the combined effort of cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists. In criticsituations, patients cannot afford to move from hospital tohospital in search of alternatives. Treatment must be delivered at a destination centre with comprehensive facilities, such as Narayana RN Tagore Hospital.”
The hospital is the first centre in the region to systematically initiate advanced aortic surgical interventions, including frozen elephant trunk procedures, complex fenestration and chimney techniques, and has since handled one of the highest volumes of complex aortic cases in Eastern India. Many of these cases involve extensive aortic involvement or emergency presentations, requiring specialised infrastructure, rapid diagnosis and experienced multidisciplinary teams. The number of such cases continues to rise year on year, highlighting the growing burden of aortic disease and the critical importance of early detection and referral.
Mr. Abhijit C.P., Director & Cluster Head – Kolkata and Corporate Growth Initiative, Narayana Health (East), said,
“The increasing number of patients presenting with advanced aortic disease points to the urgent need for stronger awareness, timely diagnosis and appropriate referral. Focused attention on aortic health can significantly improve outcomes in these otherwise life-threatening conditions.”
Echoing this view, Mr. R. Venkatesh, Group COO, Narayana Health, added,
“Aortic diseases remain under-recognised despite their severity. Awareness among clinicians and the public that not all chest pain is cardiac in origin is essential. Early imaging and correct diagnosis can make a critical difference to patient survival.”
As awareness around aortic diseases grows, doctors stress the importance of recognising warning signs such as sudden chest or back pain, abdominal pain, unexplained breathlessness, and uncontrolled blood pressure. Structured screening of high-risk individuals and early imaging-based evaluation can play a decisive role in identifying aortic conditions at a stage where timely intervention can dramatically improve survival and long-term outcomes.
