An aortic aneurysm is a complex vascular condition that can develop silently over time.
By learning how aneurysms form and who is most at risk, individuals can take proactive steps toward protecting their cardiovascular health.
What is an aortic aneurysm?
The aorta is the primary artery that moves blood away from your heart to other parts of your body. While this artery has thick walls to maintain normal blood pressure, certain conditions, problems or traumas can weaken these walls. Eventually, the force of flowing blood causes part of the wall to bulge, creating an aneurysm.
Risk factors for aortic aneurysm
Diseases and poor lifestyle choices that damage your heart and/or blood vessels increase the risk of aortic aneurysms. Smoking is the most common and significant behavior related to these aneurysms. Most cases have developed in people who are current, or former, smokers.
Symptoms of aortic aneurysms
Most aortic aneurysms do not present symptoms until they become big enough to cause problems. This is why understanding your risk factors and determining the need for screenings is so important. If you or someone else has sudden pain, is struggling to breathe, has pale or grey skin or loses consciousness, these may be signs that an aneurysm has ruptured. Emergency services should be called immediately.
Prevention of aneurysms
Smoking cessation is the most important step of treatment. Other healthy lifestyle choices, such as heart-healthy eating, managing stress and performing moderate physical activity, can all decrease your risk for rupture or dissection.
Certain medical conditions can also raise your risk for rupture or dissection. Doctors may prescribe certain medications, such as aspirin, statins or blood pressure medicines to help lower this risk.
If an aortic aneurysm is growing quickly or is large in size, surgery may be recommended. In the worst-case scenario of a rupture or dissection, emergency surgery may also be required.
To learn more about aortic aneurysms, visit loyolamedicine.org/aorticaneurysm.
Living Healthy with Loyola Medicine
Living Healthy with Loyola Medicine
