Aortic Aneurysm
Overview
An aortic aneurysm occurs when a section of the aorta becomes enlarged or weakened. The aorta is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Over time, weakness in the vessel wall may cause it to widen or bulge.
Some aneurysms develop slowly and cause no symptoms, while others may become serious if the enlarged area grows or ruptures. Early identification and monitoring are important because treatment decisions are often based on the size, location, and rate of growth of the aneurysm.
With proper assessment and follow-up care, many aneurysms can be monitored safely and treated when necessary.
Symptoms
Many aortic aneurysms cause no symptoms early on. When symptoms occur, you may experience:
- Chest, back, or abdominal pain
- A pulsating sensation in the abdomen
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness or pressure-related symptoms depending on location
- Sudden severe pain if complications develop
Symptoms can vary depending on where the aneurysm is located.
Causes & Risk Factors
Aortic aneurysms develop when the wall of the artery becomes weakened over time. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Have high blood pressure
- Smoke or have a history of smoking
- Have a family history of aneurysm
- Have atherosclerosis or vascular disease
- Are older or have connective tissue-related conditions
These factors can weaken blood vessel walls and increase aneurysm risk.
When to Seek Care
Aortic aneurysms develop when the wall of the artery becomes weakened over time. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Have high blood pressure
- Smoke or have a history of smoking
- Have a family history of aneurysm
- Have atherosclerosis or vascular disease
- Are older or have connective tissue-related conditions
Emergency Symptoms
Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
- Sudden severe chest, back, or abdominal pain
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
- Severe weakness or dizziness
- Rapid onset shortness of breath
Prevention
You can help reduce the risk of aneurysm progression by:
- Managing blood pressure carefully
- Avoiding smoking
- Managing cholesterol and cardiovascular risk factors
- Attending regular vascular monitoring if diagnosed
Diagnostics Used
To assess an aortic aneurysm, your care team may use:
Support Services
Managing aortic aneurysm focuses on monitoring vascular health and reducing complications. You may benefit from:
- Blood pressure and cardiovascular management
- Vascular monitoring and follow-up care
- Lifestyle and risk-factor guidance
- Referral for vascular or surgical treatment where needed