An aortic aneurysm is a syndrome where there is a swelling of the aorta. The swelling occurs at several places throughout the aorta and especially at locations where the wall thickness weakens. Because of the high pressure at which the blood flows through the aorta, there is a development of the swelling and a rupture can occur causing spillage of the blood into the surroundings. Such a situation leads to death or severe damage to the surrounding blood vessels, which depends on the size of an aortic aneurysm.
Can an Aortic Aneurysm Go Away On Its Own?
It is not possible for an aortic aneurysm to go away on its own. In fact, it is not identifiable for any individual, as it does not display any symptoms. In the majority of the cases, identification occurs when an individual is undergoing a scan to treat another ailment.
The remedy of an aortic aneurysm depends on the size, shape, and location. As stated earlier, it is possible for an aortic aneurysm to be present along the aorta at any point. However, the primary attacking locations are abdominal and chest.
To treat an aortic aneurysm, the physician will consider several factors such as the health condition, the age of the patient, the gender, family history, previous episode of an aneurysm, and the risk factors associated with the treatment. Based upon this, the doctor will proceed towards the treatment using an invasive method that includes surgery or non-invasive approach that includes treatment using medicines and instructions that help in reducing the blood pressure.
It is crucial for individuals to let know the doctor about allergies and other habits such as smoking.
Surgical Procedure
Treating an aortic aneurysm using the surgical procedure involves the placement of the clip that prevents the explosion of the swelling. In another case, if there is a rupture, the doctor will replace it with that you that will help in strengthening the wall thickness of the aorta and its functionality. There is a high degree of seriousness and risk involved in the surgical procedure. Therefore, surgeons keep it as the last option to treat an aortic aneurysm.
Detecting an Aortic Aneurysm
As it is not possible to detect an aortic aneurysm in its initial stage, doctors tend to perform tests such as blood test, CT scan, MRI, and x-ray to identify the presence based on the symptoms of the patient. Symptoms include:
- Sudden development of a headache
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Pain in the abdominal region
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Poor concentration levels
- Short-term memory loss.
Getting Ready For The Treatment Or Surgery
Depending on the analysis results, the doctor will inform about the treatment or the surgical procedure in detail. It is necessary to follow the instructions to ensure that the individual is ready for the treatment or surgery. About 80% of the cases involve correction of the diet and placing the patient under observation. It is because not all aneurysms rupture leading to the requirement of surgery.
What to Expect After The Surgery Or Treatment?
If the individual is undergoing treatment, the doctor will monitor the progress by performing scans from time to time. The recovery period for this is short, and the individual can return to work quickly.
If there is a surgery, one can expect side effects that include:
- Shock
- Problems related to heart, lungs, and kidneys
- Erection problems
- Leakage around the graft.
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Aortic Aneurysm. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20369472
- MedlinePlus. (2021). Aortic Aneurysm. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/aorticaneurysm.html
- Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Aortic Aneurysms. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17664-aortic-aneurysm
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