What is an aortic aneurysm?
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge that occurs in the wall of the body’s main artery – called the aorta. The aorta is responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. There are two kinds of aortic aneurysms:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm – occurs along the part of the aorta that passes through the abdominal (belly) area.
Thoracic aortic aneurysm – occurs along the part of the aorta that passes through the chest cavity. Thoracic aortic aneurysms occur less frequently than abdominal aortic aneurysms due to the thicker and stronger walls of the aorta.
Having an aortic aneurysm increases the risk of developing a tear in the inner layer of the wall of the aorta, also known as an aortic dissection. A dissection allows blood to leak in between the walls of your artery, resulting in a narrowing of the artery. A narrowed artery prevents and reduces blood flow from your heart to other areas, possibly causing the aortic aneurysm to rupture.
Causes and Risk Factors of an Aortic Aneurysm
While the cause of an aortic aneurysm is not known, there are certain things that have been associated with them, including:
- Atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries)
- Inflammation of the arteries
- Genetic conditions, especially those that affect connective tissue
- Injury to an aorta
- Infections
Family histories can play a big factor in the development of an aortic aneurysm. Other common risk factors can include:
- Smoking
- Being over the age of 65
- Being male
- Having a family history of aortic aneurysms
- Having high blood pressure
Symptoms of an Aortic Aneurysm
In most cases, people who have an aortic aneurysm do not know they have one until it ruptures. A ruptured aortic aneurysm is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of an aortic aneurysm can include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Rapid heart rate
- Sudden, severe chest pain, abdominal pain or back pain
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain at the location of the aneurysm
- Pain or difficulty with swallowing
- Swelling of your arms, neck or face
If an aortic aneurysm ruptures, it causes immediate internal bleeding and, in most cases, is life-threatening. Finding and treating an aortic aneurysm before it ruptures is your best chance of recovery.
Diagnosis and Treatment for an Aortic Aneurysm
For many people who develop an aortic aneurysm, the first symptoms they experience are occasional shortness of breath and pain where the aneurysm is. Many aortic aneurysms are diagnosed during a routine checkup by your provider, where they perform a physical examination and review your medical history. If your provider suspects there is a forming aortic aneurysm, they may perform imaging tests to find and help diagnose the aneurysm.
Since aortic aneurysms can be life-threatening, your provider will monitor your symptoms closely, especially if you are at high risk for development. Treating an aortic aneurysm aims to prevent the aneurysm from growing large enough to the point of rupturing. For smaller, unruptured aortic aneurysms, they may recommend medications to help improve blood flow, lower blood pressure and manage cholesterol.
If imaging tests reveal that your aortic aneurysm is large and at risk of dissecting or rupturing, your provider may recommend surgery to prevent potential complications.
Common forms of surgery to treat aortic aneurysms include:
- Open aneurysm repair – includes removing the aneurysm and sewing a piece of specialized tubing (graft) it place to repair the artery.
- Endovascular aneurysm repair – in this minimally-invasive procedure, your provider will use a thin tube (catheter) to insert a piece of specialized tubing to reinforce or repair the artery.
Risk Factors of an Aortic Aneurysm
Recovery from an aortic aneurysm will vary from person to person, depending on whether the aneurysm dissected or ruptured. As with any procedure, certain risks are associated with it, including:
- Leaking blood around the graft
- Movement of the graft
- Formation of blood clots
- Infection
Your provider will monitor you closely following surgery to ensure complications do not arise. If you do not require surgery, it is important to alert your provider if any of your symptoms become worse or you notice any new symptoms.
Contact your provider immediately if you experience:
- Loss of consciousness
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Sudden severe pain in your chest, abdomen or back