An aortic aneurysm is a swelling in the aorta that can burst, but can also sit without rupturing. It is commonly located in the abdomen or chest, and can be caused by genetic factors or atherosclerosis. Treatment depends on the size of the aneurysm, and a burst aneurysm is a medical emergency. Regular monitoring is recommended for those at risk.
An aortic aneurysm is a swelling that develops in the aorta, the largest artery in the body. While an aortic aneurysm can burst, causing serious health problems, it’s also possible for an aneurysm to sit in the aorta without rupturing. Many people mistakenly believe that an aneurysm refers to the actual event of a rupture.
Smaller aneurysms are usually monitored by a doctor. They can be diagnosed and monitored using a variety of diagnostic tools, such as an X-ray, ECG, MRI, or CT scan. If your doctor notices that the aneurysm is getting bigger, he or she may recommend treatment. The bigger an aneurysm gets, the more likely it is to burst.
Aortic aneurysms are most commonly located in the area under the kidneys. In this location, an aneurysm is called an abdominal aneurysm. If the aneurysm is located higher up in the chest cavity, it is called a thoracic aneurysm.
There are a number of reasons someone can develop an aneurysm. They include genetic factors and artery weakness caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis weakens the artery when fatty deposits in the blood build up on the artery walls.
If an aortic aneurysm bursts, it’s a medical emergency. The main symptom of a burst aneurysm is severe pain. The debilitating pain should send you to the nearest emergency room. Successful treatment of an aneurysm largely depends on how quickly the patient receives care.
Doctors can repair a burst aortic aneurysm by sewing up a piece of artificial blood vessel. This closes the aneurysm and strengthens the arterial wall so it doesn’t burst again. Although it is a delicate surgery, the prognosis can be good with prompt medical treatment. The most important thing a doctor needs to do when repairing a burst aortic aneurysm is to stop the flow of blood into the abdominal or chest cavity.
People often don’t realize they have an aortic aneurysm until it bursts. Aneurysms often don’t cause any symptoms before they burst. If you have a family member with an aortic aneurysm or have heart problems associated with atherosclerosis, such as high cholesterol, you may want to talk to your doctor about getting screened. If your doctor thinks you may have an aortic aneurysm, he or she may conduct a screening test to examine your aorta and look for weak areas. If any are found, regular monitoring will let you know if it starts to bloat.
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