Aortic Aneurysm

Aortic Aneurysm - What it is

An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal, balloon-like swelling in the aorta, which is the body’s largest artery. The aorta originates from the heart, makes a U-turn in the upper chest and ends around the umbilical area, with branches of artery supplying the whole body with oxygenated blood.

A large, fast-growing aortic aneurysm may rupture or dissect, which will cause massive bleeding into the chest or the abdomen. This bleeding can send the body into a severe, fatal shock.

What are the types of aortic aneurysm?

Aortic aneurysms can occur anywhere in the aorta. There are mainly two types of aortic aneurysm:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm: Occurs in the abdomen along the part of the aorta, which passes through the abdomen.
Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Occurs in the chest along the part of the aorta, which passes through the chest cavity.

Other types of aneurysms

Aneurysms can also happen in other parts of the body, such as a brain aneurysm. Read more on aneurysm.

Aortic Aneurysm - Preparing for surgery

Aortic Aneurysm - Post-surgery care

Cardiothoracic Surgery,

Aneurysm,

Aortic Dissection

Article contributed by Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, National Heart Centre Singapore

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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