An aortic aneurysm is a weak spot in the wall of the aorta, the primary artery that carries blood from the heart to the head and extremities. A dissecting aneurysm is a longitudinal, blood-filled split in the lining of the artery, usually occurring in the aortic arch near the heart. As blood is pumped through the aorta, the weak spot in the elastic arterial wall bulges outward.
The risk is that an aneurysm will eventually rupture, with great bleeding internally and complete collapse of circulation. Sudden severe pain, shock and loss of consciousness usually occur within seconds, and death is imminent in more than 50% of cases, even with emergency surgery. Thus, the goal is to detect and treat an aortic aneurysm before it ruptures. Aortic aneurysms generally affect people over 60 and are more common among men.
CAUSES
Approximately 95% of aortic aneurysms are caused by atherosclerosis due to the buildup of fatty plaque in the walls of the arteries. The muscular middle layer of the artery may be congenitally weak and thus prone to a dissecting aneurysm. High blood pressure intensifies the force of blood on the walls of the arteries and contributes to the development of dissecting aneurysms. The arterial wall may become weakened as a result of a trauma or complications of other diseases, possibly leading to aneurysms.
PREVENTION
Eat a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats to reduce the risk of atheroscelrosis. Take steps to prevent, detect, and treat high blood pressure.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
In the majority of cases there are no warning symptoms. More likely, an aortic aneurysm is detected with an x-ray or during a routine physical examination. Hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing, or persistent cough may indicate aneurysm in thechest area. A throbbing lump in he abdominal area, severe backache, leg pain (due to an embolus from a clot formed in an abdominal aneurysm), or severe abdominal pain (due to the rupture of an abdominal aneurysm) may indicate aneurysm in the abdominal area. Severe chest pain that may be mistaken for a heart attack may signal an aneurysm
TREATMENT
If an aneurysm is detected, your doctor may recommend watching and waiting (especially if it is small), since aneurysms tend to grow very slowly Your doctor may prescribe beta-blocking medications. Beta-blockers decrease blood pressure and the force of the heart contraction, thus reducing pressure against the walls of the aorta. Certain aneurysms require immediate treatment, often involving surgical removal of the affected portion of the artery and replacement with a synthetic arterial graft.