A serious heart-related condition, often described as a “silent killer,” can develop for years without showing any clear warning signs.
While most people are familiar with heart attacks and strokes, there is another dangerous cardiovascular issue that often goes unnoticed — an aortic aneurysm.
This condition involves a bulging or swelling of the aorta, the body’s largest blood vessel, which carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. If left untreated, an aortic aneurysm can rupture and prove fatal.
Where is the aorta?
The aorta begins in the heart’s left ventricle, arches upward through the chest, and then travels down into the abdomen. It supplies blood to nearly every part of the body.
What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm is essentially a balloon-like bulge in a blood vessel wall. When it occurs in the aorta, it is classified based on its location:
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm – found in the chest area
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) – found in the lower part of the aorta, near the abdomen
The most common type is an infrarenal aneurysm, which appears in the abdominal aorta below the kidneys.
Doctors diagnose an aortic aneurysm when:
- The chest aorta measures more than 4.5 cm across
- The abdominal aorta exceeds 3 cm in diameter
Risk factors you should know
According to the British Heart Foundation, ruptured aortic aneurysms are responsible for around 5,000 deaths each year in the UK.
The exact cause is not always known, but several factors can increase risk:
- Smoking – one of the strongest contributors
- Congenital conditions like a bicuspid aortic valve
- Family history of aneurysms
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Age and gender – men over 65 are particularly at risk
Lifestyle adjustments can lower the risk, including quitting smoking, maintaining healthy blood pressure, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly (though heavy lifting should be avoided).
Why it’s called a “silent killer”
Because symptoms are rare, many patients have no idea they even have an aneurysm. Doctors say they are often discovered by accident — for example, during scans for persistent coughs, palpitations, or heart murmurs.
If the aneurysm ruptures, however, it becomes an emergency. Severe chest, back, or abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or a stabbing sensation are all warning signs. In such cases, the NHS advises calling 999 immediately.
Treatment options
Treatment depends largely on the aneurysm’s size and whether symptoms are present.
- Small aneurysms – often monitored and managed with lifestyle changes or medications to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol
- Large aneurysms (5.5 cm or more) – usually require surgery, either through open aortic repair or a less invasive endovascular procedure
Early detection is critical, as untreated aneurysms carry a high risk of rupture.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your health.