DR. MARK J. RUSSO, MD, MS
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What is an aortic aneurysm?

An enlarged aorta, or aortic aneurysm, is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel that results in an abnormal widening or ballooning greater than 50 percent of the normal diameter (width). It may occur in any part of the aorta.  y may occur in any part of the aorta:
  • Root/Proximal/Ascending/Arch 
  • Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
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Ascending Aortic Aneurysm

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Is an aortic aneurysm dangerous?

Aortic aneurysms are the 13th leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for an estimated 15,000-20,000 deaths annually.

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.  

Aortic aneurysms can lead to rupture or aortic dissection. The risk of these events increases as the size of the aneurysm increases. Rupture of the aorta most frequently results in immediate death. Aortic dissection is the most common catastrophe of the aorta.  As many as 40% of people with aortic dissection die instantly, and the risk of the death increases 1-3% every hour.  
A number of famous people have died of aortic catastrophes, including:
 - Albert Einstein,
 - Olympic volleyball champion Flo Hyman,
 - Broadway composer of “Rent” Jonathan Larson,
 - diplomat Richard Holbrook, 
 - Lucille Ball,
 - George C. Scott, and
 - actor John Ritter
What are the Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysms?
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 symptoms occur, they may include 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 can I prevent an aortic dissection and/or further growth of an aneurysm?  

You can help prevent an aortic dissection and/or further growth of an aneurysm by doing the following:

  • 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 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).  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.


Related Pages
Should I be screened for an aortic aneurysm?
When is surgery recommended for an enlarged aorta or aortic aneurysm?
Can I still exercise if I have an enlarged aorta, an aortic aneurysm, or a chronic aortic dissection?
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​ Physicians:   Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a weeks, to assist in the care of your patients and to facilitate urgent, emergent and elective transfers at the local, regional, national and international levels​
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About Dr. Russo
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Ask Dr. Russo
Getting a second opinion can provide peace of mind and confidence that you have been diagnosed appropriately and understand of all your treatment options. 
​Send your non-urgent questions regarding your aortic,  heart, and vascular conditions via email.

Mark J Russo, MD, MS
 Chief, Cardiac Surgery

Director, Structural Heart Disease
Associate Professor of Surgery
​
​Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Robert Wood Johnson
University  Hospital 
​125 Paterson St
​New Brunswick, NJ  ​08901

Office: 732-235-7231
Fax:   
732-235-8963​
Expert in Complex Aortic  Disease, Valve Surgery, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Repalcement (TAVR) , and Mitraclip
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(c) Mark Russo 2020
Dr. Russo performs the full range of cardiac surgery including  Coronary Artery Surgery - Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts; Bypass Surgery;  CABG;  Coronary Artery Surgery; Reoperation; Off Pump Bypass Surgery; Off Pump Heart Surgery; Valve Surgery - Aortic Valve Repair; Aortic Valve Replacement; Mitral Valve Repair; Mitral Valve Replacement ; Reoperatve Heart Valve Surgery;;  Endovascular and Hybrid Aortic Surgery;  Transcatheter Valve Surgery - TAVR, TAVI, ViV, MVIV, valve-in-valve; Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery - Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair; Mitral Valve Replacement; Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery​; Aortic Surgery - Aorta Surgery; Aortic Dissection; Complex Aorta Surgery; Valve Sparing Roots, Heart Surgery for Marfan Syndrome; Aortic Root Aneurysms; Ascending Aortic Aneurysms; Aortic Arch Aneurysms; Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms; Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms; Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms; Aortic Dissections, including Type A Dissections and Type B Dissections; Native Aortic and Prosthetic Graft Infections, including Endocarditis; Congenital Aortic Disease, such as Marfan's syndrome and Loeys Dietz; Transplant Surgery - Heart and Lung.  He was trained by Dr. Mehmet Oz and Craig Smith and Eric Rose.  Read about Matt Millen undergoing Heart Transplant