Aortic Aneurysm: what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment

An aortic aneurysm is a vascular condition that can develop silently for years. Although often it does not cause symptoms in the early stages, its gradual growth may increase the risk of rupture – a serious and potentially fatal situation.

Understanding what an aneurysm is, recognising the warning signs and knowing when to seek a medical assessment is essential to guarantee the right care.

Aortic Aneurysm: what is it?

An aortic aneurysm occurs when there is an abnormal bulge in the wall of the aorta, the main artery in our body that carries blood from the heart to all our organs.

Simply put, an aneurysm happens when the artery weakens and becomes progressively dilated. When the diameter exceeds a certain size, the risk of rupture increases.

An aneurysm can appear in different parts of the aorta. One of these areas is the thoracic aorta, which is located in the chest and includes the ascending aorta (the upper portion of the artery, which emerges directly from the heart) and the aortic arch, where the artery curves before extending to the descending aorta towards the rest of the body. Another area where an aneurysm can occur is the abdominal aorta, located in the abdomen; this is the most common type of aneurysm.

Aortic Aneurysm: what are the symptoms?

In many cases, aneurysms are asymptomatic, and are detected during exams carried out for other reasons. However, when symptoms of aneurysm do occur, they vary depending on the location and size of the bulge.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysms can be manifested through the following symptoms:

•    Deep and persistent abdominal pain, often described as a constant discomfort that is hard to place;
•    Lower back pain that can radiate up the back;
•    Pulsing sensation in the abdomen.

These symptoms tend to be progressive and may increase as the aneurysm grows in size.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

When the aneurysm is located in the chest region, the symptoms can include:

•    Chest or back pain;
•    Persistent hoarseness due to compression of nearby nerves;
•    Difficulty swallowing;
•    Persistent dry cough.

The initial symptoms of aneurysms are often unspecific, which makes an early diagnosis difficult.

Aortic Aneurysm: treatment

Treatment essentially depends on the size of the aneurysm, its growth rate and the presence of symptoms. When the aneurysm is small and asymptomatic, it can be monitored regularly though periodic exams. In this stage, it is vital to strictly control blood pressure and other risk factors.

We mention some therapeutic approaches below:

Surgical treatment

When the aneurysm is growing rapidly or reaches a diameter that is considered a risk, surgical intervention may be necessary. In conventional surgery, the dilated segment of the aorta is replaced by a vascular prosthesis.

Endovascular treatment

This is a minimally invasive technique that involves placing an endoprosthesis inside the artery, reinforcing the wall from the inside. Not all aneurysms are eligible for this approach, and the decision is always based on an individual medical assessment.

Hybrid treatment

This is a more invasive technique reserved for cases with a more complex anatomy, combining open surgery with the insertion of vascular prostheses and endovascular prostheses.

Aortic Aneurysm: frequently asked questions

We answer below some frequently asked questions about aortic aneurysms.

Are aortic aneurysms dangerous?

Yes, an aortic aneurysm is a dangerous condition because it represents a weakness in the body’s main artery. Although many cases remain stable and asymptomatic for years, the risk lies in its silent progression: as the bulge increases, the artery wall becomes finer, increasing the likelihood of rupture or dissection. 

Who should undergo abdominal aneurysm screening?

Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening is recommended above all in men over the age of 65, especially smokers or former smokers, due to higher arterial weakness in these cases. However, a family history and presence of cardiovascular disorders are also important risk factors.

Can an aneurysm disappear on its own?

No, an aneurysm does not regress or disappear spontaneously. Once the artery wall has become structurally weakened, the damage becomes irreversible and, due to constant blood pressure, the natural tendency is for the bulge to remain stable or increase over time. 

Aortic Aneurysm: the importance of an early diagnosis at Joaquim Chaves Saúde

Aortic aneurysms can develop silently, but an early diagnosis significantly reduces the risk of serious complications. The right surveillance and control of risk factors are decisive for the patient’s safety.

At Joaquim Chaves Saúde, we offer specialist teams and advanced diagnostic measures to assess and monitor aortic aneurysms. If you present any risk factors or experience suspicious symptoms, schedule your consultation and benefit from specialised and personalised care.