An aortic aneurysm is a dangerous balloon-like
bulge in the aorta, the large artery that
carries blood from the heart through the chest
and torso.
What it is
Aortic aneurysms can dissect or rupture:
The force of blood pumping can split the layers of
the artery wall, allowing blood to leak in between
them. This process is called a dissection.
The aneurysm can burst completely, causing bleeding
inside the body. This is called a rupture.
Dissections and ruptures are the cause of most
deaths from aortic aneurysms.
A thoracic aortic aneurysm happens in the chest. An
abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is more common,
happens below the chest.
Facts about aortic aneurysm in the United States
Aortic aneurysms or aortic dissections were the
cause of 9,904 deaths in 2019.
In 2019, about 59% of deaths due to aortic aneurysm
or aortic dissection happen among men.
A history of smoking accounts for about 75% of all
abdominal aortic aneurysms.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends
that men aged 65 to 75 years old who have ever
smoked should get an ultrasound screening for
abdominal aortic aneurysms, even if they have no
symptoms.
Types
Thoracic aortic aneurysm
A thoracic aortic aneurysm happens in the chest. Men and
women are equally likely to get thoracic aortic
aneurysms, which become more common with increasing age.
Thoracic aortic aneurysms are usually caused by high
blood pressure or sudden injury. Sometimes people
with inherited connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan
syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, get thoracic
aortic aneurysms.
Signs and symptoms of thoracic aortic aneurysm can
include the following:
Sharp, sudden pain in the chest or upper back.
Shortness of breath.
Trouble breathing or swallowing.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
An abdominal aortic aneurysm happens below the chest.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms happen more often than
thoracic aortic aneurysms.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are more common in men and
among people age 65 and older. Abdominal aortic
aneurysms are more common among White people than among
Black people.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are usually caused by
atherosclerosis (hardened arteries), but infection or
injury can also cause them.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms often don't have any
symptoms. If an individual does have symptoms, they can
include the following:
Throbbing or deep pain in the back or side.
Pain in the buttocks, groin, or legs.
Other types
Aneurysms can happen in other parts of your body. A
ruptured aneurysm in the brain can cause a stroke.
Peripheral aneurysms—those found in arteries other than
the aorta—can happen in the neck, in the groin, or
behind the knees. These aneurysms are less likely to
rupture or dissect than aortic aneurysms, but they can
form blood clots. These clots can break away and block
blood flow through the artery.
Risk factors
Diseases and unhealthy behaviors that damage your heart
and blood vessels also increase your risk for aortic
aneurysm. Smoking is
the most important behavior related to aortic aneurysm.
Some inherited connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan
syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can also
increase your risk for aortic aneurysm. Your family may
also have a history of aortic aneurysms that can
increase your risk.
Treatment and recovery
The two main treatments for aortic aneurysms are medicines and surgery.
Medicines can lower blood pressure and reduce risk for
an aortic aneurysm.
Surgery can repair or replace the
affected section of the aorta.
