What Is An Aortic Aneurysm?
An AORTIC ANEURYSM is a bulge in a section of the aorta, the body's main artery. The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Because the section with the aneurysm is overstretched and weak, it can burst. If the aorta bursts, it can cause serious bleeding that can quickly lead to death.
Aneurysms can form in any section of the aorta, but they are most common in the stomach area, known as ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM . Thoracic Aortic aneurysms can also occur in the upper body and are also known as ascending or descending Aortic aneurysms.
The wall of the aorta is normally very elastic. It can stretch and then shrink back as needed to adapt to blood flow. But some medical problems, such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), weaken the artery walls. These problems, along with the wear and tear that naturally occurs with aging, can result in a weak Aortic wall that bulges outward.
People who do have symptoms complain of stomach, chest, or back pain and discomfort. The symptoms may come and go or stay constant.
In the worst case, an aneurysm can burst, or rupture. This causes severe pain and bleeding, often leading to death within minutes. An Aortic aneurysm can also lead to other problems.
Blood flow often slows in the bulging section of an Aortic aneurysm, causing clots to form. If a blood clot breaks off from an Aortic aneurysm in the chest area, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Blood clots that break off from an Aortic aneurysm in the belly area can block blood flow to the belly or legs.
Treatment of an Aortic aneurysm is based on how big it is and how fast it is growing. If you have a large or fast-growing aneurysm, you need surgery to fix it. A doctor will repair the damaged part of the blood vessel during open surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.
Risks of Surgery
Serious health problems, which may be more likely in some individuals especially if they are very elderly, may increase the chances of having complications during ANEURYSM SURGERY. If your general health is good, however, your age alone is not a reason to avoid necessary aneurysm repair. Other factors that may increase your chances of complications include:
These risk factors should be evaluated and treated by your surgeon before elective ANEURYSM REPAIR to lessen your chances of associated complications.
