Aortic aneurysm

Last reviewed: April 27, 2024

An aortic aneurysm is a condition in which the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the chest and abdomen, bulges or balloons out. The part of the aorta that runs through the chest is called the thoracic aorta, while the segment that passes through the abdomen is known as the abdominal aorta.

Normally, the walls of the aorta are strong enough to withstand the force of blood flow. However, various medical conditions, genetic factors, or physical injuries can weaken or damage these walls. As a result, the pressure of blood flowing through weakened or damaged areas can cause an aneurysm to form.

Aortic aneurysms can lead to two critical complications:

  1. Dissection: The force of blood flow can cause the layers of the artery wall to separate, resulting in blood leakage between them.
  2. Rupture: The aneurysm may burst completely, causing internal bleeding.

Dissections and ruptures are the primary causes of most deaths associated with aortic aneurysms.

In 2019, aortic aneurysms or aortic dissections caused 9,904 deaths. Nearly 59% of these deaths among males were attributed to these conditions.

Types of aortic aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm:

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a condition where the aorta, the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the body, bulges or swells up in the abdomen area. It is more common than thoracic aneurysms. This condition usually affects men who are 65 years or older, and is more prevalent among white individuals than black individuals.

Atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of arteries, is the primary cause of abdominal aortic aneurysms. However, injury or infection can also contribute to their formation. In many cases, there are no symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysms. However, if symptoms do appear, they may include:

  • Deep pain or throbbing sensations in the back or side.
  • Discomfort in the legs, groin, or buttocks.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm:

A thoracic aneurysm is a condition that develops in the chest cavity and affects both men and women equally. This condition is more common in older individuals. Thoracic aortic aneurysms are usually caused by sudden injury or hypertension. People with inherited connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome are at a higher risk of developing thoracic aneurysms.

Symptoms of thoracic aortic aneurysm may include sudden, sharp chest or upper back pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and shortness of breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Other types of aneurysms:

Aneurysms can develop not only in abdominal and thoracic aortas but also in other parts of the body. The rupture of a brain aneurysm can lead to a stroke, while peripheral aneurysms, found outside the aorta, can occur in the neck, groin or behind the knees. Although these types of aneurysms are less prone to rupture than aortic aneurysms, they can still cause blood clots to form. These clots can detach and obstruct blood flow within the artery.

Symptoms

Aortic aneurysms can occur without any noticeable symptoms. The symptoms primarily depend on the location of the aneurysm and how it affects nearby bodily structures. Symptoms may include:

  • Feeling full even after eating small amounts of food.
  • Hoarseness.
  • Painful or difficult swallowing if the aneurysm is pressing on the esophagus, which connects the mouth to the stomach.
  • Difficulty breathing if the aneurysm is compressing the trachea or windpipe.
  • Pain in the back, jaw, neck, chest, shoulder, or abdomen, depending on where the aneurysm is located.
  • Shortness of breath caused by lung compression.
  • Sensation of pulsing or throbbing in the abdomen.
  • Swelling of the neck, face, or arms if the aneurysm is compressing the superior vena cava, the main vein that returns blood from the upper body to the heart.

It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of a ruptured or burst aorta if you suspect an aortic aneurysm, as rapid intervention can be life-saving. Symptoms of a rupture may include:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • Sudden and severe pain in the chest, back, or abdomen.

Risk factors

Certain unhealthy habits and medical conditions can increase the chance of developing aortic aneurysms, which are a bulge in the wall of the aorta. Smoking cigarettes is the most common risk factor. Other factors that can contribute to aortic aneurysms include:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Advancing age
  • Family medical history
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Elevated levels of blood cholesterol
  • Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

Inherited connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome can also increase the risk of aortic aneurysms. Similarly, if you have a family history of aortic aneurysms, you may be more likely to develop this condition.

Prevention

Making certain heart-healthy lifestyle changes can help prevent the development of an aneurysm. These changes might include:

  • Eating a heart-healthy diet
  • Avoiding stimulants like cocaine
  • Quitting smoking, as cigarette smoking is one of the leading risk factors for this condition
  • Managing stress, as it can help to avoid hypertension.

Treatment

Aortic aneurysms can grow and expand without any noticeable signs or symptoms. As they enlarge, they become a serious risk for rupturing or damaging the artery wall, which can cause life-threatening consequences. Timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial to manage this condition effectively and prevent serious harm.

The primary forms of treatment for aortic aneurysms are medications and surgical procedures. Medications are used to control high blood pressure and reduce the risk of aneurysm formation, while surgery is performed to replace or repair the affected segment of the aorta. Early intervention is essential to ensure the best possible outcomes and minimize the chances of severe complications.

Work cited

This page was last reviewed and updated by on Apr 27, 2024.

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