An aortic aneurysm is a serious condition where the largest artery in your body, the aorta, develops a weakened area that causes it to bulge.
If not treated, it can rupture, leading to severe complications.
What is an Aortic Aneurysm?
The aorta is the major artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body.
An aortic aneurysm occurs when a weakened spot in the aorta bulges, like a balloon. It can form at any point along the aorta, but it most often occurs in two specific areas:
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Located in the lower part of the aorta.
- Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA): Occurs in the chest area of the aorta.
What are the Symptoms of an Aortic Aneurysm?
In many cases, an aortic aneurysm doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms until it ruptures.
When this happens, it’s an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm include:
- Sudden, intense pain in the chest, abdomen, or back
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Rapid heart rate
If you have a growing aneurysm, you might experience:
- Pain in the back, chest, or abdomen
- Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of fullness
- Swelling in the neck, arms, or face
How is an Aortic Aneurysm Diagnosed?
Since aortic aneurysms often don’t cause symptoms, they are typically found during routine screenings or tests for those at high risk.
Your doctor may use one of the following imaging tests to diagnose the condition:
- CT scan
- MRI or CT angiography
- Ultrasound
These tests help detect aneurysms and assess their size, which is crucial for determining treatment options.
How is an Aortic Aneurysm Treated?
If the aneurysm is small and hasn’t ruptured, your doctor will keep a close watch on it and may recommend medications to manage blood pressure and cholesterol.
If the aneurysm is large or at risk of rupturing, surgery is often necessary. There are two main types of surgery:
- Open Aneurysm Repair: This procedure involves removing the aneurysm and replacing the damaged section of the aorta with a graft.
- Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR): A minimally invasive procedure where a catheter inserts a graft to reinforce the aorta.
Recovery from surgery may take several weeks, and follow-up care is essential to monitor for complications.
Can I Prevent an Aortic Aneurysm?
While you can’t always prevent an aneurysm, you can reduce your risk by making healthy lifestyle changes, such as:
- Quitting smoking
- Managing high blood pressure and cholesterol
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
Staying proactive about your health and getting regular check-ups can help detect and manage aortic aneurysms early.
Stay Proactive for Your Heart Health
If you’re at risk of an aortic aneurysm, talk to your doctor about screening options. Early detection and lifestyle changes can make a world of difference in your heart health. Stay informed and act today for a healthier tomorrow!
