Aortic Aneurysm

What is an Aortic Aneurysm?

An aortic aneurysm develops when the aortic wall loses its elasticity and bursts. The aorta is the main artery in the heart that provides a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. The main causes of aortic aneurysm are high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. A bulge in a section of the aortic wall occurs when it is continuously stretched due to high blood pressure. Atherosclerosis is a condition wherein cholesterol covers the lining of the wall. In time, the cholesterol hardens and weakens the wall.

Aortic aneurysms can form anywhere along the aorta but usually occur in the chest and abdominal areas. Aneurysms that form in the chest area are called thoracic aortic aneurysms, while those that form in the abdominal area are called abdominal aortic aneurysms. Having an aortic aneurysm predisposes you to the risk of developing a tear in the inner walls of the aorta.
 

What are the symptoms of an Aortic Aneurysm?

In most cases, people won't know that they have an aortic aneurysm, as aneurysms often do not have symptoms till it ruptures. If an aneurysm ruptures, medical attention is required immediately as it can be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms of a possible aneurysm includes:

• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Light-headedness
• Loss of consciousness
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Rapid heart rate
• Pain where the aneurysm is growing (could be in your neck, back or abdomen)
• Sudden, severe chest pain, abdominal pain or back pain
• Swelling on your arm, neck or face

What are the risk factors of an Aortic Aneurysm?

• Age: Aortic aneurysms are more common among the elderly. 
• Family history and genetics: You are at a higher risk of developing Aortic Aneurysms if there is a history of the condition in your family.
• Gender: Men are more likely to develop Aortic Aneurysms compared to women. However, an aneurysm of a smaller size is more likely to rupture in a women than a men. 
• Lifestyle habits: Habits that may increase your risk of having an aortic aneurysm includes smoking and drug abuse.
• Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions that are risk factors for Aortic Aneurysms are cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, renal failure, and obesity.

How do I prevent Aortic Aneurysms?

You can reduce your risk of developing an aortic aneurysm with the following tips:

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Having high blood pressure and high cholesterol increases your risk of having an aortic aneurysm.
• Managing your stress: You may help lower your blood pressure by properly managing your stress.
• Quit smoking: Cigerette smoking is one of the leading risk factors of aortic aneurysm.

How is an Aortic Aneurysm diagnosed?

Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a form of ultrasound which shows your heart's movement, structure, and function.


Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
An electrocardiogram records the electrical impulses traveling through the heart.

Imaging Test
Cardiac imaging tests are done with ultrasound or CT scan to check the presence of an aneurysm.