What Is An Aortic Aneurysm?

If not addressed promptly, it can keep growing and may ultimately rupture, leading to immediate death.

An Aortic Aneurysm is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal bulge in the wall of the aorta, the largest artery in the human body that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This bulge forms when a section of the aorta weakens, causing it to expand or inflate, much like a balloon. Aneurysms can occur anywhere along the aorta, but they are most commonly found in the abdominal region (abdominal aortic aneurysms) or the chest area (thoracic aortic aneurysms). If left untreated, an aortic aneurysm can continue to grow and may eventually rupture, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.

Fact: Each year, about 200,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), which is a bulge in the lower part of the aorta.
Fact: Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), a specific type of aortic aneurysm, account for an estimated 15,000 deaths per year in the U.S
Fact: The disorder is more prevalent in men than in women, with prevalence rates estimated at 1.3–8.9% in men and 1.0–2.2% in women.
Fact: Only about 20% – 30% of people who arrive at the emergency room with a ruptured aortic aneurysm survive

What Causes An Aortic Aneurysm?

There are several risk factors and causes that can contribute to the development of an Aortic Aneurysm. They Are:

Atherosclerosis: This is the most common cause of aortic aneurysms. Atherosclerosis is a condition where fat and cholesterol build up on the artery walls, damaging them and making them more susceptible to aneurysms.
High Blood Pressure: Hypertension can cause the walls of the aorta to weaken over time, increasing the risk of an aortic aneurysm.
Genetic Conditions: Some genetic conditions, like Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can weaken the body’s connective tissues, including those in the aorta, leading to aneurysms.
Tobacco Use: Smoking or other forms of tobacco use can damage the aorta, making an aneurysm more likely.
Age: The risk of developing an aortic aneurysm increases with age.
Infection: In rare cases, infections such as syphilis or endocarditis can cause an aortic aneurysm.
Trauma: Physical injuries or trauma can lead to aneurysms in some cases.
Inflammation: Certain inflammatory conditions, like vasculitis, can contribute to the development of an aortic aneurysm.

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Each person’s risk can vary based on their overall health, lifestyle, and genetic factors. It’s important to discuss these risks with a healthcare provider. If you like to talk with Dr. Mark Zuzga, please give us a call or schedule your appointment online.

What Are The Different Types Of Aortic Aneurysms?

Aortic aneurysms are frequently referred to as “The Silent Killer” due to their often asymptomatic nature, making them particularly perilous. Regrettably, symptoms are noticed by only about half of the individuals affected by this condition. The risk associated with this is high, as a ruptured aorta can cause severe internal organ damage and lead to sudden death.

Aortic aneurysms can be categorized into two main types based on their location in the aorta:

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): This type of aneurysm occurs in the part of the aorta that passes through the abdomen. It is the most common type of aortic aneurysm, accounting for about 75% of all cases.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA): This type of aneurysm occurs in the part of the aorta that runs through the chest.

Each of these types can further be classified based on their shape and pattern of growth:

Saccular aneurysms are a type of aneurysm that forms a sac-like bulge on one side of the aorta.
Fusiform aneurysms involve the entire circumference of the aorta and result in a uniform shape that bulges out on all sides.

It’s important to note that an individual’s symptoms, risks, and treatment options may vary depending on the type and size of the aneurysm they have. As always, medical advice should be sought for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

What Are The Symptoms Of PAD?

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Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm are two types of aortic aneurysms that manifest different symptoms due to their distinct locations in the aorta.

Symptoms of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm include:

Chest or back pain
Pain in the jaw, neck, and upper back
Shortness of breath with a difference in blood pressure between the right and left arm
Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath due to pressure on the trachea
Hoarseness and trouble swallowing or pain while swallowing

Symptoms of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm include:

Pain in your legs
Pain in your groin area or buttocks
Throbbing or deep pain in your back or side
Deep, constant pain in your abdomen or on the side of your abdomen
A pulse (heartbeat) near your bellybutton

Aortic Aneurysm Treatment Options

If you’re experiencing symptoms of an Aortic Aneurysm, remember that you’re not alone and there are effective treatment options available.

The diagnosis and surgical treatment of Aortic Aneurysms are critical medical interventions that can prevent life-threatening situations. Dr. Mark Zuzga and his team here at West Florida Vein & Vascular employ a suite of diagnostic tests to accurately detect and assess the condition of an aortic aneurysm. These may include X-Rays, which provide a broad overview of the heart and surrounding structures, and Ultrasounds, which use sound waves to create detailed images of the aorta.

More advanced imaging techniques such as CT Scans and MRAs (Magnetic Resonance Angiograms) offer a more comprehensive view, allowing our team to measure the size and location of the aneurysm with precision. An Echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to produce real-time images of the heart’s size, structure, and motion, or an Angiogram, which employs a special dye and X-rays to see how blood flows through the aorta, can also be important diagnostic tools. Once an aortic aneurysm is diagnosed, surgical intervention can be pursued to correct the issue. This typically involves replacing the weakened section of the aorta with a graft, preventing rupture and alleviating symptoms, ultimately restoring normal blood flow through the aorta. To get started, schedule your Vascular Ultrasound today.

With the latest technology and techniques at his disposal, Dr. Zuzga is committed to providing each patient with personalized care, helping them navigate their treatment journey with confidence and support.

To get started, schedule your Vascular Ultrasound today.

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