An aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in the wall of a weakened blood vessel. If the bulging stretches the vessel wall too far, the vessel may burst. Show
The aorta is the artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. An aneurysm in the aorta is called an aortic aneurysm. You can die if an aneurysm causes this main artery to burst and it is not treated in time. An aortic aneurysm may be located in your chest (thoracic aneurysm), but most are located below the kidneys in the lower stomach area (abdominal aneurysms). What causes an aneurysm?Any condition that causes the walls of the arteries to weaken can lead to an aneurysm. Atherosclerosis (a build-up of plaque in the arteries), high blood pressure, and smoking increase your risk. Deep wounds, injuries, or infections can also cause blood vessels to bulge. In some cases, an aneurysm may be a congenital condition, meaning you are born with it. Certain inherited diseases can also increase the risk for developing an aneurysm. For example, an inherited disease called Marfan syndrome, which affects the body’s connective tissue, causes people to have long bones and very flexible joints. People with this syndrome often have aneurysms. What are the symptoms?Aortic aneurysms may cause shortness of breath, a croaky or raspy voice, backache, or pain in your left shoulder or between your shoulder blades. An aortic aneurysm in the stomach area may cause pain or tenderness. You may also have an upset stomach or feel less hungry. How are aneurysms detected?Aneurysms can be detected by physical exam, on a basic chest or stomach x-ray, or by using ultrasound. The size and location can be found through echocardiography or radiological imaging, such as arteriography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CAT or CT) scanning. See Diagnostic Tests & Procedures. How are aneurysms treated?Treatment depends on the size and location of your aneurysm and your overall health. Aortic aneurysms in the upper chest (the ascending aorta) are usually operated on right away. Aneurysms in the lower chest or the area below your stomach (the descending thoracic and abdominal parts of the aorta) may not be as life threatening. Aneurysms in these locations are watched for varying periods, depending on their size. If they become about 5 cm (almost 2″) in diameter, continue to grow, or begin to cause symptoms, you may need to have surgery to keep the aneurysm from bursting. For aortic aneurysms or aneurysms that happen in the peripheral vessels, surgery involves relining or replacing the weakened section of the aorta with an artificial tube (called a graft). For patients with smaller or stable aneurysms in the descending aorta or abdominal parts of the aorta—those farthest from the heart—doctors usually ask patients to come in for regular check-ups so they can follow the growth of the aneurysm. If the aneurysm is not growing, patients may live with it for years. Doctors may also prescribe medicine, especially a medicine like a beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure. Medicines that lower blood pressure relieve the stress on the aortic walls, and they are especially useful when the risk of surgery may be greater than the risk of the aneurysm itself. Condition BasicsWhat is an aortic aneurysm?An aortic aneurysm (say "a-OR-tik AN-yuh-rih-zum") 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.
A pseudoaneurysm happens when a bulge occurs but doesn't affect all three layers of tissue in the wall of the aorta. This type of aneurysm might be caused by an injury. What causes it?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 atherosclerosis and certain infections, weaken the artery walls. These problems, along with the natural wear and tear of aging, can cause an aneurysm. What are the symptoms?Most aortic aneurysms don't cause symptoms. But symptoms may occur if the aneurysm gets bigger. The most common symptoms include belly, chest, or back pain that may spread to the groin, buttocks, or legs. The pain may be deep, aching, or throbbing. If the aneurysm bursts, or ruptures, it causes sudden, severe pain. How is it diagnosed?Aneurysms are often diagnosed by chance during tests done for other reasons. In some cases, they are found during a screening test for aneurysms. If your doctor thinks you have an aneurysm, you may have tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan to find out where it is and how big it is. How is an aortic aneurysm treated?An aortic aneurysm may be repaired with surgery or a procedure if the aneurysm is at risk of bursting open (rupturing). If you have symptoms, a large aneurysm, or a fast-growing aneurysm, you need surgery to fix it. CauseThe wall of the aorta is normally very elastic. It can stretch and then shrink back as needed to adapt to blood flow. But some things weaken the artery walls and can cause an aneurysm. These things include: Atherosclerosis.Exactly how atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, leads to aortic aneurysms isn't clear. It may cause changes in the lining of the artery wall that lead to tissue damage. Genetics.Certain inherited conditions can affect the arteries. These conditions include Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Aging.The aorta naturally becomes less elastic and stiffer with age. Infection.Some infections can cause aneurysms. Examples include syphilis and endocarditis. Injury.A sudden, intense blow to the chest or belly can damage the aorta. Inflammation.But what causes the aorta to become inflamed isn't clear. SymptomsMost people who have an aortic aneurysm don't have symptoms. But symptoms may occur if the aneurysm gets bigger. Symptoms may include:
If an aortic aneurysm bursts, or ruptures, it causes sudden, severe pain, an extreme drop in blood pressure, and signs of shock. Without immediate treatment, it can quickly lead to death. What HappensIf you have an aortic aneurysm, you will see your doctor regularly to check on the size of the aneurysm. The size of the aneurysm and how fast it is growing both help determine how and when to treat it. Rupture is a dangerous complication. As an aneurysm expands, the tension on the blood vessel wall increases. This causes the aneurysm to expand further, which puts even more tension on the wall. The larger the aneurysm gets, the greater the chances that it will grow larger and eventually burst. Your doctor will want to repair an aneurysm before it has a risk of rupture. When to Call a DoctorCall 911 or other emergency services immediately if you have signs of a ruptured aortic aneurysm such as:
If you see someone pass out, call 911 or other emergency services and start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The emergency operator can coach you on how to do CPR. Call a doctor now if you have:
Call for a doctor appointment if you have:
WatchExams and TestsAneurysms are often diagnosed by chance during exams or tests done for other reasons. In some cases, they are found during a screening test for aneurysms. Screening tests help your doctor look for a condition before symptoms appear. Screening for aortic aneurysmsThe U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a screening ultrasound test for abdominal aneurysms for men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked.footnote 1 Some doctors think that other groups should be screened too. Talk to your doctor about whether the benefits of screening would outweigh the risks in your case. Experts recommend screening tests for a thoracic aneurysm for anyone who has a close relative who's had a thoracic aortic aneurysm.footnote 2 Diagnosing aortic aneurysmsSometimes an abdominal aneurysm is felt during a routine physical exam. If your doctor thinks you might have an aortic aneurysm, the doctor may: Do a physical exam.As part of a physical exam, your doctor might:
Your doctor may ask questions such as:
You might have imaging tests to:
Imaging testsThese tests include: Abdominal ultrasound.Ultrasounds help your doctor check the size of the aneurysm. CT scan and MRA.Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) are used if the doctor needs a more detailed view than an ultrasound provides. This is important when information is needed about the aneurysm's relation to the blood vessels of the kidney or other organs. Your doctor needs this information especially before surgery. Echocardiogram.This is an ultrasound used to study the heart and the aorta. You might have one of these:
Follow-up testingOne of the most important goals of testing is to estimate the risk that an aneurysm may burst, or rupture. The risk of rupture is compared to the risks of surgery. Tests such as abdominal ultrasound can be used to closely follow any change in the aneurysm and help measure the risk for rupture.
There may be other things that determine how often you should get an ultrasound. Learn more
WatchTreatment OverviewRepair of an aortic aneurysm may be done if there's a risk of it bursting open (rupturing). Treatment of an aneurysm is based on how big it is, how fast it's growing, and if you have symptoms. Large or fast-growing aneurysms.If you have symptoms, a large aneurysm, or a 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. Small aneurysms.Small aneurysms rarely rupture. They are not usually treated. You will have routine ultrasound tests to check the size of the aneurysm and see how fast it's growing. Even if your aneurysm doesn't grow fast, you may be at risk for heart problems. Your doctor may suggest that you exercise more, eat a heart-healthy diet, and stop smoking. He or she may also prescribe medicine to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Learn more
Self-CareIf you have an aortic aneurysm, you need close medical monitoring and possibly treatment. Your doctor may also suggest lifestyle changes that are good for your heart and blood vessels.
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WatchReferences
CreditsCurrent as of: March 28, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff Can an aortic aneurysm affect blood pressure?If an aortic aneurysm bursts, or ruptures, it causes sudden, severe pain, an extreme drop in blood pressure, and signs of shock. Without immediate treatment, it can quickly lead to death.
Is high blood pressure associated with aneurysm?“Approximately half of patients with intracranial aneurysms have high blood pressure, which can cause vascular inflammation and increase the risk of aneurysm rupture,” said the study's senior author Qinghai Huang, M.D., Ph.
How does abdominal aortic aneurysm affect blood pressure?In general, the larger the aneurysm and the faster it grows, the greater the risk of rupture. Signs and symptoms that an aortic aneurysm has ruptured can include: Sudden, intense and persistent abdominal or back pain, which can be described as a tearing sensation. Low blood pressure.
Are there any warning signs of an aortic aneurysm?What are the symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?. Pain in the chest, belly (abdomen), lower back, or flank (over the kidneys). ... . A pulsating feeling in the belly.. A "cold foot" or a black or blue painful toe. ... . Fever or weight loss, if the aneurysm was caused by infection or inflammation (inflammatory aortic aneurysm).. |