An ascending aortic aneurysm is a dangerous swelling of the aorta caused by weakened or hardened fibers. Symptoms are rare, but can include back pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing. Surgery is necessary to remove the aneurysm, and lifestyle changes are important for management.
An ascending aortic aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement or swelling of the portion of the aorta in the human heart known as the ascending aorta. An aneurysm occurs due to a weakening of the walls of the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. The portion that passes through the chest is known as the thoracic aorta and contains the ascending aorta.
The ascending aorta begins at the left ventricle of the heart and extends to the aortic arch, or curve of the aorta. The portion of the aorta beyond the aortic arch but still within the chest cavity is known as the descending aorta. The aorta is a continuous blood vessel and its function is to supply clean and oxygenated blood to the body.
The fibers that make up the ascending aorta have an elastic nature that allows the aorta to expand slightly as blood is pumped out of the heart. An ascending aortic aneurysm commonly occurs when the fibers lose their elasticity or when the fibers or the aortic wall harden. Another cause of ascending aortic aneurysm is aortic dissection, which is a condition involving separation of the inner and middle layers of the aortic wall. A variety of infections and genetic disorders can lead to the development of ascending aortic aneurysms, as well as lifestyle problems such as smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
An aortic aneurysm needs medical attention because it is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. The main problem with early detection of the presence of an aneurysm is that there are very few symptoms. Unless there is a rapid expansion of the aneurysm, starting to leak or causing the aortic valve to leak, there are often no symptoms. Rapid growth or leakage can cause the patient pain in the upper back or pain around the diaphragm and shortness of breath. A large aneurysm could cause the patient to have difficulty swallowing and hoarseness.
As many as 40% of aortic aneurysms are detected via echocardiograms, chest CT scans, and chest X-rays taken for unrelated reasons. Once an ascending aortic aneurysm is detected, its growth and size are closely monitored. Surgery will be performed, when necessary, to remove the piece of aorta containing the aneurysm and replace it with synthetic material. There are no medications, as of 2010, to reduce the size of an aneurysm or stop its growth, but positive lifestyle changes are important to control and manage the condition. Smoking cessation, a healthy diet, and cholesterol reduction are important in the management of ascending aortic aneurysm.
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