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Aortic Aneurysm
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Blood Heart Circulation

Aortic Aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm is a dangerous bulge in the body's main artery that can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding, often developing without early symptoms.

Overview

An aneurysm is defined as a bulge or "ballooning" in the wall of an artery. Arteries are blood vessels responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other parts of the body. While aneurysms can occur in various vessels, most are located in the aorta, the main artery that runs from the heart through the chest and abdomen. If an aneurysm grows large, it can burst, leading to dangerous bleeding or even death.

Types

There are two primary types of aortic aneurysm, classified by their location within the aorta:

  • Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA): These occur in the part of the aorta running through the chest.
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA): These occur in the part of the aorta running through the abdomen.

Diagnosis & Screening

Most aneurysms are discovered incidentally during tests performed for other reasons. Because aneurysms can develop and grow large before causing any symptoms, screening is critical for individuals at high risk. Doctors use imaging tests to identify these conditions.

Screening is recommended for people between the ages of 65 and 75 who meet specific risk criteria:

  • Those with a family history of aneurysms.
  • Men who have smoked.

Treatment & Management

The two main treatments for aortic aneurysms are medicines and surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the warning signs of an aortic aneurysm, especially if it's growing or about to rupture?::While aortic aneurysms often have no symptoms until they are large or rupture, a growing thoracic aneurysm might cause chest or back pain, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing. An abdominal aneurysm might cause a pulsating sensation near your navel, or deep, constant pain in your abdomen or side. A sudden, severe, tearing pain in your chest, back, or abdomen, along with dizziness, rapid heart rate, or low blood pressure, could indicate a rupture and requires immediate emergency medical attention.
Beyond medication or surgery, what lifestyle changes can I make to help manage an aortic aneurysm or reduce my risk?::To help manage an aortic aneurysm and reduce the risk of growth or rupture, it's crucial to control blood pressure through a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and sodium, regular exercise as advised by your doctor, and maintaining a healthy weight. Quitting smoking is paramount, as smoking significantly increases aneurysm risk and growth. Managing cholesterol and diabetes, if present, is also important.
Who should be screened for an aortic aneurysm, and what does the screening involve?::Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is generally recommended for men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked, and for individuals with a family history of aneurysms, regardless of smoking status. The screening typically involves a simple, non-invasive ultrasound of the abdomen, which can quickly and painlessly detect the presence and size of an aneurysm. Your doctor can assess your individual risk factors to determine if screening is appropriate for you.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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