Aortic Aneurysm Care

The aorta is your main blood vessel. It carries oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. An aortic aneurysm is a weak spot in the aorta. If you have an aortic aneurysm, you will need medical treatment. Cone Health heart and vascular specialists deliver the expert care you will need to reduce risks of serious complications.

What Is an Aortic Aneurysm?

Aortic aneurysms are weak, thinly stretched spots that can develop anywhere on your aorta. The wall of your aorta thins as the aneurysm develops. Over time, it expands like a balloon.

Aortic aneurysms can be life-threatening. Without treatment, they can get too big and pop. They can also burst completely. If that happens, it can be fatal.

What Causes Aortic Aneurysm?

Doctors don’t always know why an aortic aneurysm develops. But these factors may contribute to the growth of an aneurysm:

• Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in and narrowing of your arteries)
• Ehlers-Danlos and Marfan syndromes (a group of inherited disorders that affect connective tissues)
• Genetics (some families are more likely to form aneurysms)
• Infections
• Inflammation of your arteries
• Injury to your aorta

How Is Aortic Aneurysm Diagnosed?

If you have an aortic aneurysm, you may not know anything is wrong. Most aortic aneurysms only cause symptoms when they burst. However, your doctor may notice your aneurysm during a different, unrelated exam or screening test. They may order additional tests to get a better understanding of your aneurysm.

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging

Our experts use advanced imaging technology to determine your aortic aneurysm’s exact location, size and seriousness. These imaging tests include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Computed tomography angiogram (CTA)
• Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA)

Multidisciplinary Approach to Aneurysm Care

Every patient’s experience with an aortic aneurysm is unique. You need top-quality, coordinated care, especially if you have an aneurysm in your belly (abdominal aortic aneurysm) or chest (thoracic aortic aneurysm). That’s why we have a team of experts to provide the complete care you need. Our heart surgeons, vascular surgeons and other specialists work together to deliver the personalized services you deserve.

Dealing with an aortic aneurysm can be overwhelming. Our dedicated nurse navigators will be by your side every step of your journey. They are here to:

• Answer your questions
• Be your advocate
• Coordinate your appointments with surgical specialists
• Help you understand your condition and treatment options

Aortic Aneurysm Treatments

Your care team will work with you to create a customized care plan to protect your health and well-being. Your plan may include medical or surgical options.

Medications & Monitoring

If your aortic aneurysm is small and symptomless, you may need minimal treatment. Your doctor may recommend medication and regular check-ups to monitor your aneurysm. Other healthy lifestyle changes, like a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise and quitting smoking, can also improve your condition.

Minimally Invasive Aneurysm Repair

If your aortic aneurysm is growing rapidly or causing symptoms like pain, your doctor may recommend surgery. Whenever possible, our vascular surgeons use minimally invasive procedures to repair aneurysms. These techniques cause less pain and scarring. They also lead to a quicker recovery with fewer complications.

Learn more about heart and vascular surgery at Cone Health.

Emergency Care for Aneurysm Rupture

If your (or a loved one’s) aortic aneurysm bursts, you need immediate medical care. Call 911 right away if you experience any of these signs:

• Clammy skin
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain in your back or belly
• Rapid heart rate