Aortic Aneurysm

Aortic Aneurysm: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The sometimes fatal disorder known as an aortic aneurysm results from the aberrant weakening and bulging of the body's biggest artery, the aorta. Both the abdomen and the chest (thoracic aortic aneurysm) might experience this. Untreated, the aneurysm could burst and cause catastrophic internal haemorrhage.

Risk Factors & Causes:

Conditions weakening artery walls—such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, smoking, and genetic diseases like Marfan syndrome—often lead to aortic aneurysms. Further raising risk are ageing, high cholesterol, and a family history of an aneurysm.

Many aneurysms start quietly and exhibit no symptoms until they enlarge or rupture. Some patients might have trouble swallowing, a pulsing sensation in the abdomen, back or chest pain, or dyspnoea.

Treatment: While larger aneurysms may require surgical intervention, routine imaging can monitor smaller aneurysms. One can help avoid rupture by open surgery or minimally invasive endovascular repair (EVAR). Prevention depends much on lifestyle choices, including quitting smoking, blood pressure control, and a nutritious diet.

Early identification is crucial; hence, regular visits are rather important for people who run such a risk.