Aortic aneurysm
What is an Aortic Aneurysm?
The aorta is the largest artery in your body, and is responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement of the aorta. The enlargement can form when the walls of the aorta weaken, causing the artery to expand. If left untreated, an aneurysm can dissect (tear) or rupture, leading to life-threatening complications.
Aortic aneurysms are categorized into two main types based on their location:
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: This occurs in the part of the aorta that runs through your abdomen.
- Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: This forms in the chest portion of the aorta, above the diaphragm.
Symptoms of an Aortic Aneurysm
Many people with an aortic aneurysm may not experience any symptoms, particularly in the early stages. However, as the aneurysm grows, some people may notice:
- Feeling of fullness even after eating a small meal
- Pain in the neck, back, groin or legs
- Shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing
- Sudden, severe chest, back or abdominal pain
A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. If an aneurysm ruptures, symptoms can include:
- Extreme pain
- Dizziness
- Rapid heart rate
Diagnosing an Aortic Aneurysm
Because aortic aneurysms often don’t cause symptoms until they rupture, regular screenings may be necessary, especially for those at high risk. Your doctor may recommend imaging such as:
- CT scan
- MRI or CT angiography
- Ultrasound
These tests help identify aneurysms before they cause serious complications.
Treatment for an Aortic Aneurysm
Treatment for an aortic aneurysm depends on its size and location, and whether it has ruptured:
- Medications: If the aneurysm is small and unruptured, your healthcare provider may recommend medications to manage blood pressure and reduce stress on the aorta.
- Surgery: If the aneurysm is large or at risk of rupturing, surgery may be needed.
Why Choose UF Health Jacksonville for Your Heart Care
The UF Health Cardiovascular Center – Jacksonville is internationally recognized for heart experts and at the forefront in heart and vascular care, research, and education. For more than two decades, our interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons have been moving medicine forward through state-of-the-art diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative cardiac services, which helps to achieve the best possible outcomes for our heart and vascular patients.