When identified early, aortic aneurysms can be treated successfully
An aneurysm occurs when the wall of a blood vessel weakens and bulges out. An aortic aneurysm develops in the wall of the aorta, the main blood vessel carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Types of aortic aneurysm
There are two main types of aortic aneurysms:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): An AAA develops in the part of the aorta that sits in your abdomen, where it supplies blood to the lower part of your body. AAAs are the most common type of aortic aneurysm.
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA): A TAA occurs in the part of the aorta in your chest (thorax), where it leaves the heart. TAAs are rare, affecting fewer than 10 out of every 100,000 people.
Aneurysms can develop in other places as well. For example, aortic root aneurysms occur in the aortic root, the part of the aorta closest to the heart. An aneurysm in this spot can cause the aortic valve (one of the heart’s main valves) to leak, sending blood backward into the heart.
Aortic aneurysm symptoms
Most people with aortic aneurysms do not have any symptoms unless the bulge has grown very large or bursts. Large AAAs can cause symptoms such as:
- Abdominal tenderness
- Pain in the stomach area, buttocks, groin or lower back
- Sores or discolored skin on the feet or toes
Large TAAs can cause different symptoms, including:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Upper back pain
An aortic aneurysm that bursts is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention. The most common sign is a sharp or tearing pain that appears without warning.
Other signs of aortic aneurysm rupture include:
- Clammy skin
- Fainting or passing out
- Feeling dizzy
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sudden, severe pain in the abdomen, back, chest or shoulder
Aortic aneurysm causes
It’s unclear why aortic aneurysms occur. However, people with heart problems are more likely to develop AAAs and TAAs.
You’re at an increased risk of developing an aortic aneurysm if you have the following risk factors:
- 50 years or older
- Male
- White ethnicity
- Family history of aortic aneurysm or atherosclerosis
- Certain genetic conditions such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Turner syndrome or inflamed arteries
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- History of smoking
Aortic aneurysm screening and genetic testing
Fortunately, aortic aneurysm screenings can detect these bulges early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked have a one-time screening for AAA. If your screening reveals you have an AAA, you and your provider can come up with a treatment plan to address the aneurysm. You can talk with your provider about whether genetic testing might help determine your risk for aortic aneurysm.
