ABOUT THE DISEASE

The aorta is the largest artery in the body and it carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all parts of the body. Its section that runs through the chest is called the thoracic aorta and, as it moves down through the abdomen it is called the abdominal aorta.

An aneurysm is a bulge or abnormal enlargement in the wall of the aorta. The wall of an aneurysm is weaker than a normal artery wall, therefore the pressure of the blood inside the artery causes the wall to swell.

Depending upon its exact location it is called abdominal aortic aneurysms or thoracic aortic aneurysms.

SYMPTOMS

For thoracic aneurysms:

• • Pain in the jaw, neck, upper back or chest
• • Coughing, hoarseness or difficulty breathing

For abdominal aneurysms:

• • Pulsating enlargement or tender mass felt during a physical examination
• • Pain in the back, abdomen, or groin not relieved with position change or pain medication

CAUSES

Factors that may contribute towards this ailment are- age (commonly more than 60), hereditary factors, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Atheroma a fatty substance that deposits inside the artery walls is also a factor causing this disease.

DIAGNOSIS

- Abdominal ultrasound
- CT Scan

TREATMENT METHODS

In most cases no treatment is required, esp if the bulge is small, however it needs to be monitored on a regular basis.

In case of the bulge being higher than 55mm size, Aneurysm correction surgery is recommended. Surgery can be an open surgery or an endovascular repair.

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