An aortic aneurysm is a weakening in the blood vessel that is the main supplier of blood to the body. A ruptured aneurysm can be a potentially life-threatening situation due to rapid blood loss. Fewer than 40 percent of people survive a ruptured aortic aneurysm, according to the National Institutes of Health. Although the exact cause of an aortic aneurysm is unknown, many factors contribute to the weakening of the vessel wall.
Types
There are two types of aortic aneurysm. An abdominal aortic aneurysm, or AAA, accounts for 75 percent of all aortic aneurysms. An AAA means that the weakened section of the aorta occurs in the section of the aorta within the abdominal cavity. A thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs in 25 percent of aneurysms and occurs in the section of aorta that sits higher up in the chest, according to the MayoClinic.com. Each type of aortic aneurysm carries its own risk factors.
Risk Factors
A number of factors can help contribute to an abdominal aortic aneurysm. People who use tobacco are at the greatest risk for developing an aortic aneurysm because smoking directly damages the arteries and causes high blood pressure, contributing to the buildup of plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance created from calcium, cholesterol, fat, fibrin and other cellular wastes that can cause a narrowing of the vessels and weaken the artery walls. High blood pressure can also increase the likelihood of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. MayoClinic.com explains that in rare cases, an infected aorta may cause an aneurysm.
A thoracic aortic aneurysm is more common in people who suffer from a genetic condition known as Marfan syndrome, a disease that commonly affects the connective tissues. People with Marfan syndrome may have a weakness in the wall of the aorta that makes them more susceptible to a thoracic aortic aneurysm. People with a previous injury to the aorta, as well as people who suffer a traumatic injury to the aorta such as a fall or car accident, are also at an increased risk for a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
Symptoms
There are often no symptoms in the early development of an aortic aneurysm. Some people may notice back or abdominal pain, and a faint pulsing may be present in the abdomen if a person has an abdominal aortic aneurysm. However, FamilyDoctor.org explains that symptoms of a ruptured aortic aneurysm can often include a sudden pain in the back, legs, abdomen and buttocks, nausea, vomiting, rigid stiffness in the abdomen, swelling or bulging in one area of the abdomen and clammy skin.
Detection
People who suspect they have an aortic aneurysm should consult their physician and have tests done. Often the only way to detect an aortic aneurysm is with diagnostic imaging such as an X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, according to the American Heart Association.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of developing an aneurysm, people should attempt to eat a cardiac-friendly diet with a lot of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and high fiber. People should not smoke and should attempt to reduce stress. Exercise can often help people avoid developing an aortic aneurysm, according to the National Institutes of Health. People with high cholesterol can ask their physicians about medications that can help lower cholesterol. Men older than 65 and who have smoked should have an ultrasound screening at least once.
