AORTIC ANEURYSM SYMPTOMS |
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Aortic aneurysms occur in different
portions of the aorta, which begins in the chest (at the heart) and
travels downward through the abdomen. Aneurysms found in the region
of the aorta within the chest are called thoracic aortic aneurysms.
Aneurysms that occur in the part of the aorta within the abdomen are
called abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Thoracic aortic aneurysms do not usually produce any noticeable
symptoms. However, as the aneurysm becomes larger, chest, shoulder,
neck, lower back, or abdominal pain can result. Abdominal aortic
aneurysms occur more often in men, and these aneurysms can cause
pain in the lower back, hips, and abdomen. A painful abdominal
aortic aneurysm usually means that the aneurysm could burst very
soon.
Most abdominal aortic aneurysms are caused by atherosclerosis, a
condition caused when fat (mostly cholesterol) carried in the blood
builds up in the inner wall of the aorta. As more and more fat
attaches to the aortic wall, the wall itself becomes abnormally weak
and often results in an aneurysm or bulge.
Aortic aneurysms are also caused by a breakdown of the muscular
middle layer of the artery wall, by high blood pressure, by direct
injury to the chest, and although rare, by bacteria that can infect
the aorta. |
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| AORTIC ANEURYSM RELATED ITEMS |
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