Aortic Aneurysm: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Introduction
What Is Aortic Aneurysm
Aorta is responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the body. It is the largest artery with two main parts, the thoracic aorta – the part of the artery that runs through the chest- and the abdominal aorta – which runs through the abdomen.
Unhealthy behaviours and heart diseases may weaken the aorta wall and lead to an aortic aneurysm. This condition is a balloon-like bulge in the wall of the aorta, which may develop along the length of the artery. If untreated, it may lead to ruptured aortic aneurysms, causing massive internal bleeding and blood clots.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent these possible life-threatening complications.
Causes of Aortic Aneurysm
What Causes Aortic Aneurysm
The primary cause of aneurysms is the hardening of the arteries. This occurs when fat and other substances accumulate on the lining of the blood vessel.
Other aortic aneurysm causes are
- Aortic Infection
- Hypertension
- Blood vessel inflammation
- Trauma
- Genetic conditions, eg Marfan Syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Some risk factors may also contribute to aneurysm development, including age, smoking, family history, and male gender.
Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysms
What Are the Symptoms of an Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic aneurysms grow slowly at around 1-2 mm each year. As a result, there are no noticeable symptoms until it reaches 5.5 cm or when the risk of ruptures becomes too high. Some common symptoms are shortness of breath, back pain, chest pain, and dizziness.
However, distinct warning signs may depend on the location and size of the aneurysm.
Other aortic aneurysm symptoms before rupture include
What Is A Ruptured Aortic Aneurysm
It is the splitting of the layers of the enlarged aorta due to the pressure of blood pumping in the artery wall. This can lead to massive internal bleeding and sudden death.
Ruptured Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms may include:
- Decreasing blood pressure
- Loss of breath
- Loss of consciousness
- Sharp pain in the affected area
Diagnosis of Aortic Aneurysm
How to Diagnose Aortic Aneurysm
Early diagnosis can increase the aortic aneurysm survival rate. It starts with symptoms, family history, and the patient’s risk factors evaluation.
To confirm the diagnosis and plan a specific and safe treatment plan, your vascular specialist may use the following tests:
- Computerised Tomography Scan uses x-rays to produce cross-sectional images of the body, including the abdominal and thoracic aorta. It detects the size and shape of the aneurysm.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging utilises radio waves and magnetic fields to create detailed images of the abdomen, heart, and aorta. This imaging test is suitable for individuals who require frequent aneurysm monitoring to reduce radiation exposure.
- Abdominal Ultrasound uses sound waves to detect abnormalities in blood flow in the belly area.
- Transesophageal Echocardiogram checks heart valve conditions and aortic health. It involves inserting a probe with a transducer down the throat.
Treatment Options for Aortic Aneurysm
What Are Treatments for Aortic Aneurysm
Surgery is the optimal treatment method for aortic aneurysms. However, for aneurysms that require watchful waiting, certain medications may prevent the aneurysm from growing. These include anti-hypertensive and anti-cholesterol drugs for aortic aneurysms smaller than 5 cm with no or mild symptoms.
For an aortic aneurysm bigger than 5 cm growing with severe symptoms, the following surgical treatment may be necessary
- Open Surgical Repair involves a large incision to the body, depending on the location of the aneurysm, to remove it and stitch a graft to prevent rupture.
- Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) is a less invasive aortic aneurysm surgery that requires the insertion of a stent graft through the blood vessel to the aorta. The stent graft expands to allow blood from inside and prevent it from entering the aneurysm.
Each surgical treatment has its benefits and risks. For example, open surgery is necessary when the risk of rupture outweighs the risk of surgery. However, recovery may take a maximum of two months compared to EVAR, which may take a month. It is essential to consult a vascular surgeon to learn which treatment options are suitable for the severity of your condition.
Talk To Senior Consultant and Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon, Dr Julian Wong
Prevention of Aortic Aneurysm
How to Prevent Aortic Aneurysm
Although risk factors such as age, gender, and family history are uncontrollable, other ways to prevent aortic aneurysms, like quitting smoking, reduce risk because it is a primary cause of weakening arterial walls.
Other ways to prevent aortic aneurysms include:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
- Daily exercise
- Treat hypertension and high cholesterol levels
- Manage and reduce stress
- Regular medical check-ups
Routine health check-ups identify if you’re at risk of developing an aortic aneurysm. If this condition is detected early, prompt treatment is allowed before it ruptures to prevent complications, including heart attack and internal bleeding.
Conclusion
How common is aortic aneurysm is a frequent question regarding this medical condition. Although the prevalence of aortic aneurysm is low, its life-threatening complications are enough to warrant caution when developing the disease. Certain factors, such as smoking, hypertension, or family history, increase risk. As a result, speaking with a vascular specialist about regular health screening options and when to undergo screening are crucial for early detection and treatment. Additionally, quitting smoking and managing heart disease are effective preventive measures to reduce risks.
If you suspect you have risk factors or experiencing symptoms, consult a vascular surgeon for an accurate diagnosis, comprehensive monitoring and treatment plan to increase your survival rate.
