Conditions | Aortic Aneurysms | Aortic Dissection | Aortic Insufficiency | Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve | Connective Tissue Disease | Endocarditis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve | Connective Tissue Disease | Endocarditis
Aortic Arch Aneurysm
What is an aneurysm?An aneurysm is an abnormal dilatation of the wall of a blood vessel that is 50% greater than the artery's normal diameter (width). An aneurysm may be located in many areas of the body, such as the blood vessels of the brain, the aorta (the largest artery in the body), the intestines, the kidneys, the spleen, and the vessels in the legs.
What are the causes of aortic aneurysms?Thoracic aortic arch aneurysms may be caused by different disease processes:
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What are the symptoms of an aneurysm?
Aortic disease is often insidious. Most people with aortic aneurysms experience no symptoms, unless they are extremely large or an aortic dissection occurs. For most people, their aortic condition is discovered incidentally while being tested for other reasons.
When present, symptoms may occur with different types of aneurysms may include, but are not limited to, the following pain in the jaw, neck, chest and/or back; wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath; hoarseness or difficulty swallowing.
When present, symptoms may occur with different types of aneurysms may include, but are not limited to, the following pain in the jaw, neck, chest and/or back; wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath; hoarseness or difficulty swallowing.
The symptoms of an aneurysm may resemble other medical conditions or problems, including heart attacks, pneumonia, and digestive conditions. Always consult your physician for more information.
How are aneurysms diagnosed?For most people, their aortic condition is discovered incidentally while being tested for other reasons. For patients suspected to have aortic disease, selection of a type of diagnostic examination is related to the location of the aneurysm. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for an aneurysm may include any, or a combination, of the following:
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What are the possible treatment for aortic aneurysms?
Treatment options for an amort aneurysm may include one or more of the following:
-- controlling blood sugar in those with diabetics,
-- weight loss if those overweight or obese and
-- controlling dietary fat intake
-- high blood pressure
Specific treatment will be determined by your physician based on:
Location of the aneurysm also impacts treatment options:
- Controlling or modifying risk factors steps such as:
-- controlling blood sugar in those with diabetics,
-- weight loss if those overweight or obese and
-- controlling dietary fat intake
- Medication: to control factors such as:
-- high blood pressure
- Surgery, typically the diseased area of the aorta is replaced with a fabric graft
- Stent graft or endograft which is comprised of a layer of impermeable reinforcement material enclosed by a self-expanding metal support mesh and is placed across the aneurysm site
Specific treatment will be determined by your physician based on:
- age, overall health and medical history
- size and extent of the disease
- signs and symptoms
- tolerance of specific medications, procedures or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- patient preference
Location of the aneurysm also impacts treatment options:
How do I prevent an aortic dissection and/or further growth of my aneurysm?
Here are a few tips:
For more info on lifestyle recommendation visit IRAD online
- Control your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, get a home blood pressure measuring device to help you monitor and keep your blood pressure well controlled.
- Don't smoke. Or, if you do, take steps to stop.
- Maintain an ideal weight. Follow a low-salt diet, low fat, high fiber diet, and exercise regularly.
- Watch your cholesterol. Keep your cholesterol levels within a range that is recommended by your doctor.
- Continue low-impact exercise (eg brisk walking). If you have an aneurysm or are predisposed, avoid high-impact exercise that significantly increases your blood pressure (eg weight training)
- Wear a seat belt. This reduces the risk of traumatic injury to your chest area.
- Keep your doctor well-informed. If you have a family history of aortic dissection, let your doctor know.
For more info on lifestyle recommendation visit IRAD online