What is an Aortic Aneurysm?
What is an Aortic Aneurysm?An aortic aneurysm is a bulge that occurs in the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body. Also referred to as an aortic disease, an aortic aneurysm can occur anywhere in the aorta and may be round or tubular. An aortic aneurysm can leak or burst and cause bleeding. Or an aneurysm can lead to aortic dissection and cause blood flow problems throughout the body.
Types of Aortic Aneurysms
TypesAneurysms can happen in any part of the body, but aneurysms in blood vessels other than the aorta are called peripheral aneurysms. Aortic aneurysms are more likely to rupture than peripheral aneurysms. Three types of aortic aneurysms are named after where the aneurysms occur on the aorta.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm. This type of aneurysm develops on the part of the aorta in the abdomen. This is the most common type of aortic aneurysm.
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm is an aortic aneurysm that forms on the part of the blood vessel passing through the chest. They can be further classified depending on where in the chest they form.
- Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. This type of aneurysm spans from the chest to the abdomen.
Signs and Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysms
SymptomsMost people with an aortic aneurysm don’t show symptoms until the aneurysm is large enough to put pressure on surrounding tissues and organs. Symptoms will also occur if an aneurysm has ruptured.
Symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Back pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Pain that spreads from the back or chest outwards
- Hoarseness
Symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm include:
- Abdominal or back pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- A pulsating feeling in the abdomen
What Causes Aortic Aneurysms?
CausesWhile researchers don’t know what directly causes aortic aneurysms, several risk factors can influence your chances of developing one. Risk factors include:
- High blood pressure. High blood pressure can weaken the aortic walls and put them at risk of ballooning.
- Hardened arteries (atherosclerosis). A buildup of fatty substances, cholesterol, and plaque that accumulates on the inner lining of the artery.
- Smoking can weaken the walls of the aorta.
- Trauma to the aorta such as that sustained in a car accident, can weaken the aortic walls.
- Genetics. A family history of aortic aneurysms puts you at a higher risk of developing one yourself. Some hereditary disorders like Marfan syndrome and Turner’s syndrome are also associated with a greater risk of aortic aneurysms.
- Abnormal heart valve. Bicuspid aortic valve is frequently associated with thoracic aortic aneurysm.
- History of aortic dissection. If you previously had aortic dissection, your aorta is weakened and may develop an aneurysm.
- Other rare causes: infection, inflammation
Prevention
PreventionThere is no way to guarantee you will never develop an aortic aneurysm, but you can take certain steps to keep your risk as low as possible. These include avoiding or quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, limiting your consumption of alcohol, and keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels.
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Aortic Aneurysm Care
The cardiac experts at NewYork-Presbyterian have years of experience recognizing the signs of aortic aneurysms. They can analyze your risk of developing an aneurysm and work with you to screen for symptoms of the disease. If you are diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, our world-renowned team can create a care plan customized to fit your situation.