The aorta is your body's largest artery. It carries oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body.
“Occasionally, the walls in part of the aorta become weak and begin to bulge or balloon out. This is called an aortic aneurysm,” says Esmaeel Reza Dadashzadeh, MD, director of aortic and endovascular surgery, The Cardiovascular Institute.
Aortic aneurysms can happen in the chest or abdomen. They can lead to life-threatening emergencies if they:
- Dissect: Tear in the aorta’s inner layer (all arteries have 3 layers)
- Rupture: Burst completely
Many aortic aneurysms grow slowly and don't cause symptoms until they become very serious. That's why knowing your risk factors is so important.
Who’s at risk?
Some risk factors are related to your lifestyle, while others are inherited. You may be at higher risk if you have:
- A family history of aortic aneurysms or sudden unexplained death
- A history of smoking
- High blood pressure
- Certain inherited conditions, including Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Men and women over age 65 also have a higher risk. If any of these risk factors apply to you, talk with your doctor. They can help determine whether you should be screened with a simple ultrasound.
How are aortic aneurysms found?
Screening can show whether an aneurysm is present and how big it is before it becomes an emergency. This is usually done with imaging tests such as:
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI
Treatment for aortic aneurysms
Treatment depends on the size and location of the aneurysm. Small aneurysms often don't need treatment right away. Instead, your doctor may monitor them with regular imaging to watch for changes.
If an aneurysm gets big enough, surgery may be recommended to prevent it from dissecting or rupturing. Depending on where the aneurysm is located, treatment may involve:
- Traditional open surgery
- A minimally invasive endovascular procedure
"Repairing an aneurysm before it becomes an emergency is much safer than treating it after it has ruptured," says Dr. Dadashzadeh.
When to get IMMEDIATE medical care
Call 911 right away if you have any of these symptoms:
- Sudden, severe, or tearing pain in your chest, abdomen, back, or side
- Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg
- Fainting or losing consciousness
- Signs of shock like confusion, clammy skin, or fast heartbeat
These could be signs of an aortic aneurysm that has ruptured or torn and require immediate medical care.
Keeping your aorta healthy
The same habits that protect your heart also help protect your aorta. You can lower your risk by:
- Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol under control
- Eating a healthy diet
- Staying physically active with regular exercise
- Not smoking—or quitting if you do
If you have questions about your risk or need help making healthy lifestyle changes, talk with your primary care doctor.
