Aortic aneurysm symptoms

Smoking is the strongest risk factor. It can weaken the aortic walls, increasing the risk not only of developing an aortic aneurysm , but of rupture. The longer and more you smoke or chew tobacco, the greater the chances of developing an aortic aneurysm.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm. A thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs along the part of the aorta that passes through the chest cavity.

In some cases, an individual may have an abdominal aortic aneurysm and a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Having an aortic aneurysm increases your risk of developing an aortic dissection. Abdominal aortic aneurysm. This can happen in the portion of your aorta that passes through your abdomen.

There are usually no telltale signs to warn you that something is wrong. An aortic aneurysm is an outpouching or bulging of the aorta, which is the largest artery in the human body. Arteries carry blood away from the heart to other parts of the body.

Arteriosclerosis is the most common cause of an aortic aneurysm , and smoking is a major risk factor for their development. They usually cause no symptoms except when ruptured. Occasionally, there may be abdominal, back, or leg pain.

Some symptoms can be a sign of a specific type of aneurysPain in the abdomen or lower back extending into the groin and legs may be due to an abdominal aneurysm. You may see or feel a throbbing. The initial symptoms of an aortic aneurysm are often due to rupture—and rupture can be fatal. If you have an aortic aneurysm, your outcome will be much better if the aneurysm is diagnosed before it produces any symptoms. Fever or weight loss, if the aneurysm was caused by infection or inflammation (inflammatory aortic aneurysm).

The symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other problems that cause chest or belly pain. What are the early signs of aortic aneurysm? Can an aortic aneurysm go away on its own? Learn the risks, signs, symptoms , and treatments for aortic aneurysms.

It can get bigger over time and could burst (rupture), causing life-threatening bleeding. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from the heart down through the chest and tummy. Men aged and over are most at risk of AAAs.

This is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) when it happens in the part of the aorta that’s in your abdomen. AAAs don’t always cause problems, but a ruptured aneurysm can be life. If an aortic aneurysm ruptures, internal bleeding occurs. This is a medical emergency, because a person can bleed to death in a few minutes.

Severe back, flank, or abdominal pain may be the only symptom of an enlarging aorta. Many other conditions can cause these symptoms , but an aortic aneurysm is the most serious of these conditions. A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is the 15th leading cause of death in the country, and the 10th leading cause of death in men older than 55. Causes Experts believe that atherosclerosis, which means the hardening of the arteries, is the main cause of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

It happens when the artery wall weakens. An ascending aortic aneurysm is especially serious. An aortic dissection secondary to an intramural hematoma should be treated the same as one caused by an intimal tear.

Because of the varying symptoms of aortic dissection, the diagnosis is sometimes difficult to make. Concern should be increased in those with low blood pressure, neurological problems, and an unequal pulses. Different types of aortic aneurysm have different signs and symptoms.

More specifically, symptoms of thoracic aortic aneurysm can include: Shortness of breath. Sharp, sudden pain in the chest or upper back. Trouble breathing or swallowing.

Aortic root aneurysm treatment risks. A connective tissue disorder or other health condition may increase your risk of rupture, even for a small aneurysm.