When we think of heart-related emergencies, we often picture heart attacks or strokes. But there’s another silent yet life-threatening condition that gets very little attention- aortic aneurysm. Though it might not show symptoms at first, this condition can suddenly turn fatal if not diagnosed and treated on time. We spoke to Dr Niranjan Hiremath, Senior Consultant Cardiovascular and Aortic Surgeon at Apollo Indraprastha who shared his insights about this condition.
What is Aortic Aneurysm?
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta, the biggest blood vessel in our body. The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When the walls of this artery weaken and balloon outward, it creates a ticking time bomb inside the body. If the bulge bursts, it can cause severe internal bleeding and death within minutes.
Understanding The Types Of Aortic Aneurysms
Aortic aneurysms can happen in different parts of the aorta. The most common one occurs in the stomach area and is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This type often affects men above 65, especially those with a history of smoking.
Sometimes, the bulge is located in the chest area, it’s known as a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). This one is less common than the abdominal kind but can be just as life-threatening if not caught in time. There is also a more complex version called a thoracoabdominal aneurysm, which stretches across both the chest and abdomen, which is rare and usually needs highly specialised treatment and expert surgery.
Aortic Dissection
There’s another related condition called aortic dissection, which is different from an aneurysm but equally risky. This happens when the inner layer of the aorta suddenly tears, and the blood begins to leak between the layers of the vessel wall, weakening it from the inside. This can lead to a sudden, sharp pain in the chest or back, and it’s a medical emergency that needs urgent diagnosis and care.
Also Read: Sharp Chest Could Be A Sign Of Life-Threatening Aneurysm
What causes these bulges?
Aneurysms don’t form overnight. Over time, high blood pressure and the build-up of fat inside arteries (a condition called atherosclerosis) put pressure on the walls of the aorta, causing them to weaken. Smoking is another major factor which makes it worse. Some people with certain genetic disorders like Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome also face higher risks.
Family history, high cholesterol, and chronic illnesses like diabetes can also add to the risk. That’s why regular body checkups are so important, especially if you have any of these risk factors. Catching it at an early stage can make all the difference.
Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysm: The silent nature of the disease
What makes aortic aneurysms dangerous is that they don’t usually cause symptoms in the early stages. Most people don’t even know they have one until it is found during a check-up for some unrelated health problems.
Some warning signs can include back pain, a throbbing feeling in the belly, or mild chest discomfort. But these are often missed or ignored for something less serious like gas related problems. Once the aneurysm starts leaking or ruptures, the person suddenly feels severe pain, dizziness, or even collapse. At that stage, it’s a life-threatening emergency and thus needs proper medical care.
Also Read: Arnold Schwarzenegger Once Had A Bicuspid Aortic Valve: What Are Its Symptoms and Treatment
How are aortic aneurysms diagnosed?
Doctors usually diagnose aortic aneurysms through imaging tests like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. These scans help measure the size of the bulge and check whether it’s getting bigger or not. In fact, many people discover they have an aneurysm completely by accident, while getting checked for something else, like kidney stones or stomach pain.
That’s why people over 60, especially those with a history of smoking or high blood pressure, should consider asking their doctor about screening -- even if they feel perfectly fit and fine. Catching it early can prevent serious trouble later.
Aortic Aneurysms Treatment options: From monitoring to surgery
The good news is that not all aneurysms require surgery. If the bulge is small and not growing fast, doctors/cardiologists usually keep an eye on it with regular scans and manage it with medicines to control blood pressure. But if it gets too big or starts growing quickly, doctors may recommend surgery as it is the safer option.
There are two main ways to treat it. One is open surgery, where the weak part of the aorta is removed and replaced with a synthetic tube. It’s a tried-and-tested traditional and effective method, usually done for younger or otherwise healthy patients.
The other option is EVAR (endovascular aneurysm repair) -- a less invasive method. In this process, doctors insert a stent graft through a blood vessel in the leg and guide it up to the aorta. It’s often used for older patients or those who aren’t fit for major surgery because recovery is quicker and there are fewer risks.
Why early detection is crucial
As a doctor, one of the most heartbreaking situations is seeing a patient coming in too late, after an aneurysm has already ruptured. By then, the chances of survival drop drastically. And yet, this is a condition that can often be managed and treated effectively if caught in time.
That’s why awareness is the key. People often skip routine check-ups or ignore mild discomfort, not realizing something serious might be going on inside.
Meanwhile, prevention starts with lifestyle. Quit smoking, keep your blood pressure under control, eat a balanced diet, and if you’re at risk, don’t skip those regular screenings. A little caution today can truly save a life tomorrow.
Final Word
Aortic aneurysms are not something most people talk about, but they deserve serious attention. They don’t cause symptoms until it’s almost too late, but with the right information and timely diagnosis, they can be managed, even treated successfully.
It’s important to listen to your body and never ignore unusual signs, especially if you’re in a high-risk category. A simple routine body check-up can be lifesaving. Early action and regular monitoring can help prevent what could otherwise be a sudden, tragic event. In this case, awareness isn’t just power- it’s survival.