A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a weakened area in the upper part of the aorta. The aorta is the major blood vessel that feeds blood to the body. A thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs in the part of the body's largest artery (the aorta) that passes through the chest.
Symptoms
Aneurysms develop slowly over many years. Most people have no symptoms until the aneurysm begins to leak or expand.
Symptoms often begin suddenly when:
- The aneurysm grows quickly
- The aneurysm tears open (rupture)
- Blood leaks along the wall of the aorta (aortic dissection)
If the aneurysm presses on nearby structures, the following symptoms may occur:
- Swallowing problems
- Hoarseness
- High-pitched breathing (stridor)
- Swelling in the neck
Other symptoms may include:
- Chest or upper back pain
- Clammy skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Sense of impending doom
Causes
The most common cause of a thoracic aortic aneurysm is hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). This condition is more common in people with high cholesterol, long-term high blood pressure, or who smoke.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for a thoracic aneurysm include:
- Changes caused by age
- Connective tissue disorders such as Marfin or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Inflammation of the aorta
- Injury from falls or motor vehicle accidents
- Syphilis
Complications
Serious complications may occur after aortic surgery including:
- Bleeding
- Graft infection
- Heart attack
- Irregular heartbeat
- Kidney damage
- Paralysis
- Stroke
Complications after aneurysm stenting include damage to the blood vessels supplying the leg, which may require another operation.
Prevention
To prevent atherosclerosis:
- Control your blood pressure and blood lipid levels.
- Do not smoke.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
