Aortic Aneurysm

What is an aortic aneurysm?

An aortic aneurysm is an outward bulge that forms in the aorta wall. The aorta is the body’s main artery and is responsible for transporting blood from the heart to the body.

There are two types of aortic aneurysm:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm - occurs in the part of the aorta that passes through the abdomen
• Thoracic aortic aneurysm - occurs in the part of the aorta that passes through the chest

What is the difference between an aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, and aortic rupture?

An aortic aneurysm occurs when a weakened area of the aorta wall begins to bulge outwards. This can increase the risk of aortic rupture, where blood bursts through all layers of the aorta wall and into the body cavity. An aortic dissection is where there is a tearing or separation of the layers of the aorta. An aortic dissection can also lead to aortic rupture, or other complications.

What are the symptoms of an aortic aneurysm?

Aortic aneurysms can produce no symptoms until they grow large and/or rupture (aortic rupture).

If symptoms are present, they may include:

• pain in the abdomen, chest or back
• a pulse near the belly button
• difficulty swallowing
• difficulty breathing
• persistent coughing

What causes an aortic aneurysm?

Factors that can increase your risk of an aortic aneurysm include:

• having high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol
• being male
• being over 65 years old
• smoking
• having a family history of aortic aneurysm
• having a buildup of plaque in the arteries – known as atherosclerosis
• having cardiovascular disease or conditions such as Marfan syndrome
• experiencing trauma e.g. from a car accident

How is an aortic aneurysm diagnosed?

As an aortic aneurysm often causes no symptoms, particularly when the aneurysm is small, diagnosis may be made during a medical examination, a screening test, or when an aortic rupture occurs.

Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT or MRI scan can be used to diagnose an aortic aneurysm and monitor the size of the aneurysm.

How is aortic aneurysm treated?

Treatment for an aortic aneurysm will depend on the size of the aneurysm, the person’s age, and the likelihood of rupture.

Treatment options may include:

• regular checkups to monitor whether the aneurysm is growing in size
• lifestyle modifications e.g. medication for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, stress management strategies, quitting smoking etc.
• minimally invasive stenting of the aneurysm
• surgery to replace the weakened section of the aorta wall with a graft

If an aortic rupture occurs this is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Signs of a rupture can include sudden intense pain and loss of consciousness.

How can aortic aneurysm be prevented?

The risk of developing an aortic aneurysm can be reduced by:

• quitting smoking
• managing high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol
• eating a healthy diet
• exercising regularly