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An aneurysm is a bulge or "ballooning" in the wall of an artery. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other parts of the body. If an aneurysm grows large, it can burst and cause dangerous bleeding or even death.

Most aneurysms are in the aorta, the main artery that runs from the heart through the chest and abdomen.

There are two types of aortic aneurysm:

  • Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) - these occur in the part of the aorta running through the chest
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) - these occur in the part of the aorta running through the abdomen

Most aneurysms are found during tests done for other reasons. Some people are at high risk for aneurysms. It is important for them to get screening, because aneurysms can develop and become large before causing any symptoms. Screening is recommended for people between the ages of 65 and 75 if they have a family history, or if they are men who have smoked. Doctors use imaging tests to find aneurysms. Medicines and surgery are the two main treatments.

NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysm

The following features are indicative of Aortic Aneurysm:
  • abdominal pain
  • back pain
  • leg pain
  • numbness
  • aortic rupture
It is possible that Aortic Aneurysm shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Aortic Aneurysm

The following are the most common causes of Aortic Aneurysm:
  • trauma
  • elastin abnormality
  • collagen abnormality
  • genetic abnormality
  • Marfan syndrome
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Risk Factors for Aortic Aneurysm

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Aortic Aneurysm:
  • coronary artery disease
  • hypertension
  • Loeys-Dietz syndrome
  • hypercholesterolemia
  • hyperhomocysteinemia
  • elevated C-reactive protein
  • tobacco use
  • peripheral vascular disease
  • Marfan syndrome
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV
  • Syphilis
  • IgG4-related disease

Prevention of Aortic Aneurysm

No, it is not possible to prevent Aortic Aneurysm.
  • genetic mutations in the TGFBR2 gene

Occurrence of Aortic Aneurysm

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Aortic Aneurysm cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Extremely rare less than 1000 cases

Common Age Group

Aortic Aneurysm most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged > 50 years

Common Gender

Aortic Aneurysm can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Aortic Aneurysm

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Aortic Aneurysm:
  • Ultrasound: To study the aorta

Doctor for Diagnosis of Aortic Aneurysm

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Aortic Aneurysm:
  • Cardiothoracic or Vascular Surgeon

Complications of Aortic Aneurysm if untreated

Yes, Aortic Aneurysm causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Aortic Aneurysm is left untreated:
  • risk of rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Procedures for Treatment of Aortic Aneurysm

The following procedures are used to treat Aortic Aneurysm:
  • Surgery: To treat aortic aneurysm

Self-care for Aortic Aneurysm

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Aortic Aneurysm:
  • Avoid tobacco Products: Do not smoke and chew tobacco products
  • Have healthy diet: Eat healthy fruits and vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and low- fat dairy products
  • Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control
  • Exercise regularly

Time for Treatment of Aortic Aneurysm

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Aortic Aneurysm to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • In 3 - 6 months

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Aortic Aneurysm.

Related Topics

Aneurysms

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