Aortic aneurysm is the formation of a sac due to partial enlargement of the artery called the aorta, which originates from the left heart. Sudden ruptures can occur in these enlarged parts, which usually occur in hypertensive patients over the age of 60. This is called aortic rupture or aortic dissection.
The heart is the most important muscle in the body. The heart pumps about 5.5 liters of blood in 30 seconds. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. Even though the aorta is a hard, durable, strong blood vessel, sometimes its walls can weaken and swell up in what is called an aortic aneurysm. This can cause a leak that spills blood throughout the body.
Some aortic aneurysms burst, some do not. Others divert blood flow away from your organs and tissues, leading to problems such as heart attack, kidney damage, stroke and even death.
What are the Types of Aortic Aneurysms?
Aortic aneurysms have two locations. One is in the chest, called thoracic aortic aneurysm, and the other is in the abdomen, called abdominal aortic aneurysm .
Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Genes play a role in the possibility of having an aortic aneurysm in the chest. Conditions that can affect the aorta include bicuspid aortic valve, Marfan syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Other causes of thoracic aneurysm can include
- High blood pressure
- Infection
- Plaque buildup in your arteries
- High cholestorol
- Sudden traumatic injury
Abdominal aortic aneurysm: This can happen in the part of your aorta that runs through your abdomen. There are usually no warning signs to alert you that something is wrong. Other causes of abdominal aortic aneurysm include
- Back pain
- A deep pain next to your abdomen
- Throbbing sensation near your navel
- If the aneurysm ruptures, you may feel discomfort in your stomach or suddenly feel a severe pain in your back or abdomen. You may vomit, sweat or feel dizzy.
- Hardening of the arteries, which doctors call atherosclerosis
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Genetic disposition
What are the symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm?
A thoracic aortic aneurysm is not easily recognized because symptoms usually do not appear until the aneurysm grows or bursts. But as it grows, you may notice some signs, including the following;
- Chest or back pain
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Hoarseness
The specialist can usually diagnose a thoracic aortic aneurysm with tests such as X-rays, echocardiograms, CT scans or ultrasound. It is also usually monitored annually to assess growth. Routine screenings, especially for certain genetic conditions, can also help your doctor find out if your chances are higher. If so, they may prescribe medicines to lower your cholesterol and lower your blood pressure. If your aneurysm becomes a big problem or grows rapidly in size, you may need surgery. Your doctor will replace the damaged section of your aorta with a man-made tube. Once in place, the graft will strengthen that part of the aorta.
If the specialist detects an abdominal aneurysm, there may be a possibility of blood clots. Small clots can form at the aneurysm site, break off and flow into the legs, kidneys or other organs.
Aneurysm Diagnosis and Treatment
As with a thoracic aortic aneurysm, the specialist can sometimes detect an abdominal aortic aneurysm during a routine examination. They may also recommend an ultrasound scan, especially if you are a male smoker between the ages of 65 and 75, or if they think you have a high chance of having an aortic aneurysm.
If a bulge is detected and it is small, it can be kept under control to make sure it does not grow and become a problem later. If the aneurysm is large, depending on its location, surgery or a stent procedure may be needed to treat it.