Cardiovascular diseases remain among the most widespread health conditions, particularly in older adults, and one such condition is aortic aneurysm, which affects nearly 40 million people worldwide. This highlights the importance of understanding aortic aneurysm treatment and prioritizing early diagnosis, as it is a serious disorder that progresses quietly without noticeable symptoms in its initial stages.
What is an aortic aneurysm?
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge or dilation that occurs in the wall of the aorta, the largest artery in the body, which carries blood from the heart to all parts of the body. There are two main types of aortic aneurysms, each of which affects a different part of the body:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm: This type of aortic aneurysm occurs in the part of the aorta that runs through the abdomen, and it is the most common type.
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm: This type occurs in the part of the aorta that passes through the chest cavity.
🔎 When is aortic aneurysm treatment necessary?
Aortic aneurysm treatment should be done in all cases, especially when:
- Increased aneurysm size: When an aneurysm reaches 5.5 cm in diameter in men or 5 cm in diameter in women, immediate surgical intervention is required.
- Increased growth rate: Rapid growth (more than 0.5 cm in 6 months) is a danger sign and requires immediate treatment.
- Experiencing symptoms like abdominal pain or a pulsating sensation: These symptoms may indicate an imminent risk of rupture.
Minor cases are usually monitored with periodic ultrasound and CT scans.
💊 Non-surgical aortic aneurysm treatment
Used in small or stable cases, this prevents an aneurysm from growing large enough to rupture an artery. They include:
- Periodic monitoring every 6-12 months: Through tests and imaging.
- Medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol: These medications help reduce pressure on the artery wall and slow the growth of an aneurysm.
- Check for comorbidities: Your healthcare provider will check for several conditions, such as high blood pressure, as they may worsen your aneurysm.
- Quitting smoking
🎯 Goal: Reduce pressure on the artery wall and prevent the aneurysm from growing, ultimately achieving effective aortic aneurysm treatment.
🔧 When should we consider surgery for an aortic aneurysm?
If the aneurysm is larger than 5.5 cm or symptoms develop, surgical intervention is recommended. Options include:
- Open Surgery: The doctor removes the aneurysm and sews a patch (a special medical tube) in its place to repair the artery. This surgery is also necessary if the aneurysm ruptures suddenly.
- Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair (EVAR): A minimally invasive procedure used to treat an aortic aneurysm. During this procedure, the doctor inserts a catheter (a thin tube) to place a patch (stent) that reinforces or repairs the inner wall of the artery.
Modern surgery is generally considered safe, and the success rate is high when performed in a timely manner.
🤔 What is the difference between thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms?
| Thoracic aortic aneurysm | Abdominal aortic aneurysm | |
| Location | in the chest | In the abdomen |
| Type of surgery | More complicated | Common and relatively easy |
| Symptoms | Chest/back pain | Abdominal pain/palpable pulse |
💡 Tips to minimize the risk of aortic aneurysm
You can reduce your risk of developing an aortic aneurysm or manage existing aortic aneurysms by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding high blood pressure risk factors:
- Adherence to medications
- Avoid lifting heavy weights
- Light exercise
- Monitor blood pressure and diabetes
- Consistent follow-up appointments with a vascular doctor
In conclusion, aortic aneurysm treatment plays a vital role in preventing potentially fatal complications, including dissection or rupture. Timely diagnosis, consistent monitoring, and commitment to the prescribed treatment plan are essential for safeguarding the patient’s health. With ongoing advancements in medical science, the likelihood of successful outcomes in aortic aneurysm treatment continues to improve, especially when clinical decisions are guided by precise evaluation.
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023, July 19). Aortic aneurysm
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2023, August 7). Aortic aneurysm
