Aortic aneurysm is a condition that affects the aorta. The aorta is the main blood vessel in the human body that supplies blood to all other organs. When the walls of the aorta become weak and start to expand, they create a bulge.

This bulge is called an aortic aneurysm. In some cases, this bulge can cause a tear in the aortic walls. When that happens, the condition becomes life-threatening.

Who is At Risk of Aortic Aneurysm?

While the exact cause of aortic aneurysms is not known, there are some factors that increase the risk of developing this condition.

People over the age of 60, men, and people with a family history of aortic aneurysms are all more likely to be diagnosed with this condition. Smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol also increase the risk.

Types of Aortic Aneurysms

There are two types of aortic aneurysms: thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

As the name suggests, thoracic aortic aneurysms affect the upper part of the aorta, whereas abdominal aortic aneurysms affect the lower part of the aorta.

Related Article Aortic Aneurysm: Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms

Thoracic aortic aneurysms often do not have any symptoms until they become very large. The following are some of the symptoms that people with thoracic aortic aneurysms may experience:.

• Chest pain, often described as a tearing or sharp pain in the chest or upper back
• Shortness of breath
• Hoarseness
• Coughing up blood
• Difficulty swallowing

Symptoms of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Similar to thoracic aortic aneurysms, abdominal aortic aneurysms often do not have any symptoms until they become very large. The following are some of the symptoms that people with abdominal aortic aneurysms may experience:.

• Pulsating feeling in the abdomen
• Deep and constant pain in the abdomen, back, or sides
• Clammy skin
• Nausea or vomiting

When to See a Doctor

If you experience any of the symptoms discussed above, it is important to see a doctor right away. A prompt diagnosis and treatment can be life-saving.

Diagnosis

If you suspect that you have an aortic aneurysm, your doctor will conduct a physical examination and ask about your medical history. Diagnostic tests will also be needed to confirm the diagnosis, these include:.

• Ultrasound
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Angiography

Treatment

The treatment options for an aortic aneurysm depend on the size and location of the aneurysm, and other factors such as age, overall health, and medical history. Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend:.

• “Watchful waiting” – when the aneurysm is small and does not pose an immediate threat, your doctor may recommend monitoring its growth with regular checkups.
• Surgery – if the aneurysms is large and poses a risk of bursting, surgery may be needed to repair the aorta.
• Endovascular repair – in this minimally invasive procedure, a stent graft is used to reinforce the weakened portion of the aorta.

Prevention

While you cannot completely prevent the development of an aortic aneurysm, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:.