What is an Aortic Aneurysm?
An aortic aneurism is a bulge or ballooning of the aorta, the main artery carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
The most common symptom of an aortic aneursym is sudden severe pain in the chest area. Other symptoms include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fainting, and loss of consciousness.
The most common cause of an aortic aneurysm is atherosclerosis, which causes the walls of the arteries to thicken over time.
Atherosclerosis is caused by inflammation of the lining of the arteries (the endothelium). It begins when cholesterol builds up inside the cells that line the inner surface of the arteries. Over time, these cells die off and leave behind fatty deposits called plaque. Plaque forms along the walls of the arteries and narrows them down. As the narrowing gets worse, the flow of blood through the arteries becomes restricted. If the restriction is large enough, the weakened vessel wall will burst open, causing a tear in the artery.
Other factors include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and family history.
In addition to atherosclerosis, other factors contribute to the development of an aortic aneurysm. These include high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, diabetes, and a family history of aortic aneurisms.
What Are the Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysm?
Symptoms may include chest pain, back pain, leg pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
If you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. You should also tell your doctor if you have had a previous aortic aneurisma.
Diagnosis is typically made by ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or angiography.
In some cases, an aortic aneurysm will not cause any symptoms until it ruptures. This rupture usually occurs suddenly, causing severe pain and shock. It can occur anywhere along the length of the aorta.
Aortic Aneurysm Treatment Options
Treatment options include surgery, endovascular repair, and medication.
If you think you might have an aortic aneurym, talk with your doctor right away. He or she can help determine whether treatment is needed. Surgery is often recommended when the aneurysm has reached a certain size. Endovascular repair involves placing a stent inside the aneurysm to keep it from expanding further. Medication can also slow the growth of the aneurysm.