Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Dissection Treatment
Both aortic aneurysms and aortic dissection affect blood vessels, leading to chest or abdominal pain. If undiagnosed or untreated, these conditions can become life-threatening. Please report chest pain to your cardiologist. Several tests will be completed to determine if an aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection is present.
We take health matters seriously at Baptist Medical Network in San Antonio, TX. We thoroughly assess a patient’s overall health and other factors to recommend the most appropriate treatment.
What Is an Aortic Aneurysm?
An aneurysm is the abnormal bulging or enlargement in the wall of an artery. This happens when the arterial wall weakens. Most aneurysms occur in the aorta, the main artery that carries blood away from the heart to the abdomen, pelvis and legs. Types of aneurysms include:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) - swelling or bulging of the arterial walls in the abdomen. The abdomen is the most common area where an aneurysm can develop.
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) - aneurysm of the part of the aorta that passes through the chest down to the diaphragm.
An aneurysm may not cause any symptoms at its early stages, but it is life-threatening when it bursts (ruptures) or tears the arterial wall (dissection) when it grows larger. Early diagnosis and treatment may help slow aneurysm growth and prevent complications.
What Are the Symptoms of an Aortic Aneurysm?
For some people, aneurysm symptoms may include:
- Difficulty or painful swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling full after only eating a few bites
- Hoarseness
- Pain in the neck, back, jaw, chest, shoulder or stomach areas
- A throbbing or pulsating feeling in the stomach area
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the neck, arms or face
On the other hand, aneurysm rupture symptoms may include:
- Lightheadedness
- Rapid heart rate
- Severe onset of pain in the stomach, back or chest area
What Causes Aortic Aneurysm?
There is no definite cause of aortic aneurysm, but certain risk factors can increase a person’s chance of developing this condition. Risk factors include family history, genetics, lifestyle habits, medical conditions or aging.
Aortic Aneurysm Treatment
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, it's important to understand the treatment options available. The approach to managing an aortic aneurysm varies based on size, location and overall risk factors.
Your healthcare provider might recommend several lifestyle adjustments to help manage your condition:
- Quit smoking
- Commit to a heart-healthy diet
- Manage stress
- Engage in moderate exercise consistently
Consult your healthcare provider to determine appropriate lifestyle adjustments for you. Depending on your specific needs, your doctor may prescribe:
- Aspirin and statins: These medications help manage cardiovascular risks and control cholesterol levels, respectively.
- Blood pressure medications: Medicines such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs lower blood pressure, reducing the strain on your aneurysm.