What Is the Aorta?
What Is the Aorta?The aorta is the largest artery in your body. It is the main vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood away from your heart and begins the process of delivering it to the rest of your body. The aorta starts at the outlet of the heart's left ventricle, curves through the chest, and extends down into the abdomen.
Since the aorta receives blood directly from the heart, it is built with thick, muscular walls. These walls are designed to withstand the pressure of every heartbeat while remaining flexible enough to allow blood to flow smoothly to your organs, brain, and limbs.
Anatomy of the Aorta
- Ascending aorta: The first part of the vessel that travels upward from the heart. The very beginning part is called the aortic root, where the aortic valve is attached.
- Aortic arch: The curved top section that sends blood to your head, neck, and arms.
- Descending aorta: The portion that continues down through the chest cavity.
- Visceral aorta: The portion that supplies blood vessels to all vital abdominal organs.
- Infrarenal aorta: The lowest section that sits in the belly area, providing blood to your legs and pelvis.
What Is an Aortic Aneurysm?
What Is an Aortic Aneurysm?An aortic aneurysm is a bulge that occurs in the aorta. Also referred to as an aortic disease, an aneurysm can occur anywhere in the aorta and may be round or tubular. When the walls of the aorta become weak or damaged, they can stretch out and form this bulge. An aortic aneurysm can leak or burst (rupture or dissection), causing life-threatening internal bleeding.
Types of Aortic Aneurysms
Aneurysms 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.
- Infrarenal 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.
- Complex abdominal aortic aneurysm: An aneurysm involving the infrarenal aorta that extends upward to involve the renal or mesenteric arteries.
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm: An aneurysm that forms on the part of the aorta passing through the chest. These can be further classified based on where in the chest they occur.
- Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm: This type of aneurysm spans from the chest to the abdomen.
What Is an Aortic Dissection?
An aortic dissection is a serious condition that occurs when a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta’s wall. The aorta is made of three layers of tissue; a tear allows blood to force its way between the layers, causing them to separate or “dissect.” This can reduce or block blood flow to vital organs or lead to a rupture.
Symptoms & Causes
Symptoms & CausesMost people with an aortic aneurysm do not show symptoms until the bulge becomes large enough to put pressure on surrounding tissues. In many cases, aortic aneurysm symptoms only become noticeable if the aneurysm grows quickly or has ruptured or dissected.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sharp chest pain or back pain that spreads from the back or chest outward
- Chest pressure
- Hoarseness or change in voice
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms:
- A pulsating feeling in the abdomen (similar to a heartbeat)
- Persistent abdominal or back pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness or fainting
What Causes Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections?
What Causes Aortic Aneurysms?Several risk factors can weaken the aortic walls and increase your chances of developing an aneurysm or an aortic dissection:
- High blood pressure: Constant pressure weakens the aortic walls.
- Hardened arteries (atherosclerosis): Plaque buildup damages the vessel's integrity.
- Smoking: A leading risk factor that significantly weakens the aorta.
- Genetics: A family history of aortic disease or hereditary disorders like Marfan syndrome.
- Abnormal heart valve: Specifically, a bicuspid aortic valve.
- Trauma: Physical injury to the chest or abdomen.
What Are the Symptoms – and When Is It an Emergency?
When Is It an Emergency?A ruptured aneurysm or an aortic dissection is a life-threatening emergency.
CALL 911 RIGHT AWAY IF YOU EXPERIENCE:
- Sudden, severe “tearing” or “ripping” pain in the chest or upper back
- Sudden, intense stomach or lower back pain
- Stroke-like symptoms (sudden numbness, difficulty speaking, or vision loss)
- Loss of consciousness or extreme dizziness
This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.