Aortic aneurysms
Mr Akin Oluwole - Vascular surgery
Created on: 05-24-2017
Updated on: 10-03-2024
Edited by: Conor Dunworth
What is it?
An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal, progressive and permanent dilation of part of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. The dilation of the aorta leads to its weakening over time and, sometimes, to its rupturing.
An aneurysm can affect the abdominal tract (abdominal aortic aneurysm) as well as the thorax (thoracic aortic aneurysm).
Prognosis
Aortic aneurysm is a life threatening condition: the affected aorta could suddenly rupture, or it could lead to the formation of an embolism, consequently causing a stroke or a heart attack.
What are the symptoms?
An aneurysm doesn't generally cause any symptoms until it has reached a large size, and sometimes there are no symptoms before it ruptures. In these cases, the main symptoms are breathing and swallowing problems, a change in voice pitch, back or chest pain and low blood pressure.
How is it diagnosed?
If the aneurysm isn’t big enough to rupture, it can be diagnosed with an abdominal ultrasound (in case of an abdominal aneurysm) or with an echocardiogram (in case of thoracic aneurysm). In other cases you may also require a thoracoabdominal CT scan.
What causes it?
The main causes for aneurysm are:
- hypertension
- atherosclerosis
- inflammation of the aorta
- genetic disorders of the connective tissues
Your risk of getting an aortic aneurysm increase as you get older, and are higher if you smoke.
How can it be prevented?
You can prevent getting an aortic aneurysm by avoiding smoking and by maintaining a healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
How is it treated?
If the aneurysm is still small, you should periodically monitor it, treat it with medication and make sure to lead a healthy lifestyle. If it has already reached a bigger size, you may need to have open surgery (resection of the dilated area and substitution with a synthetic graft) or endovascular surgery (implanting a metallic prosthesis).
Which doctor should I talk to?
If you have an aortic aneurysm, you are likely to see a range of specialists, including a heart surgeon, a cardiologist, a vascular surgeon and a doctor specialised in internal medicine.
Understanding abdominal aortic aneurysms
By Mr S. Tawqeer Rashid
2025-01-29
In his latest online article, Mr S. Tawqeer Rashid gives us his insights into abdominal aortic aneurysms. He talks about the most common risk factors, the key symptoms, the role of genetic predisposition and the potential long-term complications of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. See more
Surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm: Treatment options, complications and recovery
By Mr Maziar Mireskandari
2025-01-29
While abdominal aortic aneurysms can be serious, surgical intervention can provide an effective treatment solution. We hear from consultant renowned vascular surgeon Mr Maziar Mireskandari, who shares his expertise on the various surgical approaches, the potential for successful outcomes, and the recovery process for abdominal aortic aneurysms. See more
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): Your questions answered by an expert
By Mr Maziar Mireskandari
2025-01-29
We hear from esteemed vascular surgeon Mr Maziar Mireskandari who shares his expert insight on abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in this informative article. We learn about the causes and symptoms of AAA as well as the impact on the circulatory system. See more
Aortic aneurysm: how does it develop?
By Mr Mohamed Abdelhamid
2025-01-29
An aortic aneurysm is a serious medical condition where the wall of the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body, becomes weakened and bulges outwards. This can occur in any part of the aorta, which runs from the heart down through the chest and abdomen. The bulging can lead to serious complications if it bursts or ruptures. Renowned consultant cardiologist Mr Mohamed Abdelhamid explains what an aortic aneurysm is, how it develops, and what can be done about it is crucial for anyone at risk. See more
Experts in Aortic aneurysms
-
Professor Alun Davies
Vascular surgeryExpert in:
- Varicose veins
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Aortic aneurysms
- Hyperhidrosis
- Venous ulcer
- Carotid endarterectomy
-
Mr Obiekezie Agu
SurgeryExpert in:
- Spinal surgery
- Varicose veins
- Endovenous laser treatment (EVLA)
- Aortic aneurysms
- Aortic valve replacement
- Hyperhidrosis
-
Mr Mark Tyrrell
Vascular surgeryExpert in:
- Aortic aneurysms
- Carotid artery disease
- Diabetic foot
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Vascular disease
- Stroke
-
Mr Gary Maytham
Vascular surgeryExpert in:
- Varicose veins
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Aortic aneurysms
- Carotid artery disease
- Diabetic foot
- Lymphoedema
-
Professor Aung Ye Oo
Cardiothoracic surgeryExpert in:
- Aortic root surgery
- Aortic valve replacement (minimally invasive)
- Marfan syndrome
- Bicuspid aortic valve
- Aortic aneurysms
- Coronary bypass surgery
- See all
The Park Hospital - part of Circle Health Group
The Park Hospital - part of Circle Health Group
Sherwood Lodge Drive, Burntstump Country Park, Arnold, Nottinghamshire NG5 8RX
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
The Princess Grace Hospital - part of HCA Healthcare
The Princess Grace Hospital - part of HCA Healthcare
The Princess Grace Hospital, 42-52 Nottingham Pl, W1U 5NY
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
The Alexandra Hospital - part of Circle Health Group
The Alexandra Hospital - part of Circle Health Group
Mill Ln, Cheadle, SK8 2PX
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
-
The Park Hospital - part of Circle Health Group
Sherwood Lodge Drive, Burntstump Country Park, Arnold, Nottinghamshire NG5 8RX, ArnoldExpert in:
- General Surgery
- Maxillofacial Surgery
- Oral surgery
- Plastic surgery, reconstructive and aesthetics
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Podiatry
-
The Princess Grace Hospital - part of HCA Healthcare
The Princess Grace Hospital, 42-52 Nottingham Pl, W1U 5NY, Central LondonExpert in:
- Cancer
- General Surgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Robotic Surgery
- Intensive care
- Sports Medicine
-
The Alexandra Hospital - part of Circle Health Group
Mill Ln, Cheadle, SK8 2PX, CheadleExpert in:
- Hip
- Cardiology
- Shoulder and elbow
- Paediatrics
- Foot and ankle
- Knee
- See all
- Most viewed diseases, medical tests, and treatments
- Weight loss injections
- Nipple discharge
- Abdominal pain
- Endovenous laser treatment (EVLA)
- Minimal access surgery (keyhole surgery)
- Head and neck cancer
- Neck lump
- Bariatric surgery
- Acellular dermal matrix (ADM)
- Prepectoral breast reconstruction