The aortic aneurysm consists of permanent dilation of part of the aorta, the body’s largest artery, which is subdivided into abdominal aorta and thoracic aorta. Depending on the area of the aorta in which there is dilation, it can be classified into thoracic and abdominal, the latter being more frequent.
In most cases, the aortic aneurysm does not generate symptoms, it is perceived only during routine medical examinations. The risk of this type of injury increases with age, being more common in men over 65 years of age. There are also some risk factors for developing the disease, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. See symptoms of atherosclerosis in your aorta.
- Symptoms of the aortic aneurysm vary depending on the part of the affected artery and the size of the aneurysm.
- In the case of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- There are usually no symptoms and can develop slowly and be identified only during routine exams.
When the abdominal aneurysm is large, you may feel a certain pulse in the abdominal area, lower back pain, and severe or constant chest pain. Chest aortic aneurysm can cause nonspecific symptoms related to the area where it is located. For example: a thoracic aortic aneurysm that affects the area of the throat can cause difficulty swallowing and hoarseness. Learn to recognize the symptoms of the aortic aneurysm.
In some cases, the aneurysm wall may weaken while blood pressure is constant, which can cause the aneurysm to rupture and cause severe internal bleeding.
The main causes of aortic aneurysm are
In addition, age over 65 and smoking may promote the onset of aneurysms.
To diagnose an aortic aneurysm, your doctor may order certain tests, such as CT scans, x-rays, and echocardiograms. Learn more about heart-assessing tests.
Treatment of the aortic aneurysm depends on the person’s age and the presence of other associated conditions, and surgery may be indicated to repair the aorta or replace it with a synthetic graft. Understand how treatment for aortic aneurysm is performed.
Regular physical activity and a balanced diet low in fat and salt are recommended for the prevention of an aortic aneurysm.