The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. It carries oxygen-rich blood directly out of the heart and distributes it to the rest of the body. An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge or swelling in the wall of this major artery.
Why is an Aortic Aneurysm Dangerous?
As an aneurysm grows, the wall of the aorta stretches and becomes weaker. If the bulge becomes too large, there is a risk that the aorta could rupture (burst) or tear (dissection), causing life-threatening internal bleeding. Finding and treating aneurysms early is essential.
Types of Aortic Aneurysms
Aneurysms are categorized by their location in the body:
- Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA): Occurs in the chest portion of the aorta.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Occurs in the abdominal portion of the aorta (more common).
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the size, location, and how fast the aneurysm is growing:
- Monitoring & Medications: Small, slow-growing aneurysms can often be monitored safely with regular imaging scans (CT or Ultrasound) and blood pressure medications to reduce stress on the arterial wall.
- Surgical Repair: If the aneurysm reaches a critical size, is causing symptoms, or is growing rapidly, surgical repair is required. This involves replacing the weakened section of the aorta with a synthetic tube (graft).