Aortic Aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm is a weakened area in the main artery called the aorta. The aorta runs through the centre of the body and a ruptured aortic aneurysm can be life threatening. People may never experience symptoms and often have aneurysms without ever realising. Treatment for an aortic aneurysm can vary depending on the rate that the aneurysm is growing. Most are small and grow slowly but others are larger and at a higher risk of rupturing. This type of aneurysm may require emergency surgery. Surgery for a ruptured aneurysm can be risky. An aneurysm can occur anywhere on the aorta but usually appear in the abdomen.

Some symptoms that may be noticed by people with an aortic aneurysm include back pain, tenderness in the area of the aneurysm and a pulsing sensation near the navel. Smoking and high blood pressure can increase a person's chances of developing an aneurysm although other factors come into play including hereditary weakened aortic conditions. An aortic aneurysm needs to be closely monitored before a decision is made on treatment because surgery is so dangerous but there is now a non-invasive treatment called endovascular surgery.

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