An aortic aneurysm in humans refers to bulge in the aorta’s section i.e. the main artery of a human body. Aorta is responsible to carry blood rich in oxygen from one’s heart to the remaining areas of the body. Since this section connected with aneurysm overstretches and weak, it may cause burst. In case an aorta bursts, it may result in severe bleeding, which may quickly result in death of a person.
The formation of aneurysm may take place in almost every aorta’s section, but it is more common in the abdominal area resulting in abdominal aortic aneurysm. It may even take place in the upper portion i.e. thoracic aortic aneurysm, referred often as descending or ascending aortic aneurysm.
Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms and Other Problems
Most of the times, aortic aneurysms do not cause any symptom. Sometimes, doctors identify their formation at the time of conducting medical examinations for different reasons. People with symptoms usually complain of back pain, belly/stomach pain, chest pain and usually remain constant.
In the worst condition, aneurysm may cause rupture or burst. This results in further severe pain as well as bleeding. Moreover, in some cases, rupture of an aortic aneurysm may cause death of a person and that too within a few minutes to 2-3 hours.
How do They Treat Aortic Aneurysm?
Doctors provide the treatment of aortic aneurysm problem to prevent it from causing any rupture. In general, you will find two different treatment options i.e. medical monitoring and surgery. However, the decision of your doctor depends primarily on the exact size of an aortic aneurysm and its growth rate.
When Rupture does not formed/Small Aortic Aneurysm
Medical Monitoring/Observation: In case the abdominal aortic aneurysm remains in small and patients do not experience any symptom, doctors may suggest for only medical monitoring and medication in some cases. This will include scheduling regular appointment with the doctor to assure about less growth of an aneurysm and proper management of related medical conditions, which may worsen the formed aneurysm. Your doctor may even ask you about any symptom you experience related to the problem of aneurysm.
Regular Imaging Tests: Your doctor may order imaging tests on a regular basis to check the size of your formed aneurysm. This means, you have to undergo with a routine ultrasound test after your doctor diagnose the formation of aneurysm and perform follow-up exams regularly post first imaging test. Frequency of imaging tests depends primarily on the exact size of aneurysm and the fast it grows.
Prescription of Beta Blockers/Cholesterol Medicines: Small size of aneurysms rupture rarely and because of this, doctors opt to treat it by prescribing various high blood pressure medications, like for instance the beta-blockers. This medicine is helpful in reducing the stress levels and blood pressure on the walls of human’s aorta. At the same time, doctors may prescribe some medicines to reduce the cholesterol of patients.
Suggestions for Healthy Lifestyle: Even if the aneurysm does not cause rupture or grow, you may remain at a huge risk related to cardiac problems. In this situation, your doctor may recommend you a few habits to follow associated with healthy lifestyle. These include regular exercise, following a heart-healthy diet and stop cigarette smoking.
Surgery In Case of Large Aortic Aneurysm/Rupture
Open Abdominal Surgery: In Open Abdominal Surgery for treating Aortic Aneurysm, surgeons/doctors remove the aorta’s damaged section and replace it by using a synthetic tube called as tube in the respective place.
Endovascular Surgery: Endovascular surgery for Aortic Aneurysm is one of the less invasive repair procedures, where doctors attach a suitable synthetic graft at the end of catheter or thin tube inserted with the help of artery present in the patients’ leg and threaded it properly within the aorta. Later on, doctors use a metallic mesh support to cover the graft i.e. woven tube and place it at the aneurysm site as well as expand it properly. Finally, they fasten the graft in the proper place to reinforce the aorta’s weak section and avoid aneurysm to rupture.
