Types of Aortic Aneurysm

Weakening of Arterial Walls within the Aorta

Jul 16, 2009 Julie Ackendorf

An individual diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm is facing a life threatening condition that requires immediate treatment. There is more than one type of aortic aneurysm.

According to the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Association an aortic aneurysm is characterized by a bulge in an artery in the aorta that appears to be resembling a balloon. Aneurysms occur when there is a weakening in the artery wall and the wall of the artery cannot withstand the pressure of the blood that is flowing through it. Though an aneurysm can occur in any artery an aortic aneurysm is most common. There are five kinds of aortic aneurysm.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is found in the part of the aorta near the stomach. This portion of the aorta provides blood to vital organs, the pelvis, and legs. An individual with an abdominal aortic aneurysm may not realize he has a problem until the aneurysm is relatively large. This is because an abdominal aortic aneurysm may not cause any symptoms.

Symptoms of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm may include pain or throbbing in the abdomen or pain in the back or side.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

A thoracic aortic aneurysm is an aneurysm that occurs in any area of the aorta above the diaphragm. Only 25% of all aneurysms are thoracic aortic aneurysms. Like an abdominal aortic aneurysm, symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm may not occur until the aneurysm is large or dissects and causes internal bleeding.

Symptoms of a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm include pain in the jaw, neck, back, or chest, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.

Treating an Aortic Aneurysm

Treatment of an aortic aneurysm depends on how big the aneurysm is. If the aneurysm is small it may be treated with medication to keep blood pressure down and the patient will be advised to be as stress free as possible. Frequent monitoring of the size of the aneurysm is necessary to ensure it is not growing.

Larger aneurysms require surgery in which the affected artery wall is reinforced with a graft or stent and the aneurysm may or may not be removed.

Preventing an Aortic Aneurysm

While there is some evidence that genetics puts some individuals at a higher risk of developing an aneurysm, certain lifestyle changes may help prevent an individual from ever getting aneurysm. An aneurysm may be prevented by not smoking, avoiding second hand smoke, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol down, eating a healthy and well balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise.

Preventative measures are particularly important to individuals who have had a family member who has been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm.

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Types of Aortic Aneurysm