What Is an Aortic Aneurysm?
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge or swelling in the wall of the aorta. The aorta is the main blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. When the wall of the aorta gets weak, it can stretch and form an aneurysm. This condition can be very serious. If the aneurysm grows too large, it may burst. A burst aneurysm can cause life-threatening bleeding. Because of this, it is important to know what an aortic aneurysm is and how to spot the signs early.
There are two main types of aortic aneurysms:Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): This happens in the part of the aorta that runs through your belly.Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA): This occurs in the part of the aorta that passes through your chest.
Both types can be dangerous. However, many people do not notice any symptoms until the aneurysm becomes large or bursts.
Causes of Aortic Aneurysm
Several factors can lead to an aortic aneurysm. Most often, the wall of the aorta becomes weak over time. This weakness can be due to different reasons. For example, high blood pressure puts extra stress on the artery walls. Over time, this can cause them to stretch or bulge. In addition, certain habits and health conditions can increase your risk.
Common causes and risk factors include:High blood pressure: This is a leading cause. It makes the aorta work harder.Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and raises your risk.Family history: If close relatives had an aortic aneurysm, your risk is higher.Aging: As you get older, your blood vessels may become weaker.Atherosclerosis: This is a build-up of fat and cholesterol in the artery walls.Infections or injuries: Rarely, infections or trauma can weaken the aorta.Genetic conditions: Some people are born with problems in their blood vessel walls, such as Marfan syndrome.
Because these causes can add up, it is important to manage your health. For instance, quitting smoking and controlling blood pressure can help lower your risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) both highlight these risk factors.
Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysm
Often, aortic aneurysms do not cause any symptoms at first. Many people find out they have one during a test for another problem. Still, as the aneurysm grows, it may start to press on nearby organs or tissues. When this happens, you might notice some warning signs.
Common symptoms of an aortic aneurysm include:Pain in the chest, back, or belly that does not go awayA pulsing feeling near your belly button (for abdominal aneurysms)Shortness of breath or trouble swallowing (for thoracic aneurysms)Coughing or hoarseness
If an aneurysm bursts, the symptoms are sudden and severe. For example, you may feel a sharp pain, faint, or notice rapid heartbeat. In this case, you need emergency care right away. Quick treatment can save lives.
Because symptoms can be mild or absent, regular check-ups are important, especially if you have risk factors. Early detection can help prevent serious problems.
When to Seek Help
If you have any risk factors or notice symptoms, talk to your doctor. Early testing can find an aortic aneurysm before it becomes dangerous. In many cases, doctors use ultrasound or CT scans to check the aorta. These tests are safe and painless.
Remember, not all aneurysms need surgery. Sometimes, doctors will watch them closely. However, if the aneurysm is large or growing, treatment may be needed. Options include surgery or placing a special tube inside the aorta.
Conclusion
In summary, an aortic aneurysm is a serious health problem. It often has no symptoms until it becomes dangerous. Knowing the causes and signs can help you stay safe. If you have concerns about your risk, do not wait. Consult a cardiologist for personalized advice on aortic aneurysm risks and symptoms.
