An aortic aneurysm occurs when a weakness causes bulging in the aorta, a major artery responsible for carrying the blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The existence of an aortic aneurysm does not often cause symptoms; however, if the aneurysm ruptures, this can lead to dangerous and often fatal complications, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Signs
MayoClinic.com explains that it often takes years for an aneurysm to develop, and people commonly do not have symptoms until the aneurysm bursts. People who experience a ruptured aneurysm often experience sudden, severe pain that starts in the abdomen but can radiate to the groin, legs or buttocks. People will experience clammy skin, nausea, vomiting, a rapid heart rate and shock. A physician may note a rigid abdomen, an abdominal mass or a pulsing sensation within the abdomen.
Risk Factors
While the exact cause of an aortic aneurysm is unknown, several factors increase the likelihood of developing one. People who smoke are at the greatest risk for developing an aneurysm, because smoking can directly weaken the arterial walls as well as cause an increase in arterial plaque and high blood pressure. People with a diet high in fat or who are overweight are at increased risk of developing an aortic aneurysm.
Complications
A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency. People who suffer from a rupture have a very limited time to seek help. The biggest complication of a ruptured aneurysm is hypovolemic shock. Hypovolemic shock can cause low blood pressure, low body temperature and a weak, hard-to-find, rapid pulse. People suffering from hypovolemic shock will have pale skin, rapid breathing, sweating, confusion and weakness; they may become unconscious or die, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Prognosis
While prognosis is good for patients who have an unruptured aortic aneurysm repaired, the likelihood of surviving a ruptured aneurysm is rare. The Society of Interventional Radiology says that 10 percent to 20 percent of people survive a ruptured aortic aneurysm.
Considerations
People who feel they are at risk for an aortic aneurysm should talk to their physicians about an imaging scan. Men over age 65 who smoke or have emphysema should get a scan at least once to check for an aneurysm.
