How to Diagnose an Aortic Aneurysm

Aortic aneurysms occur in the aorta, the body's main artery that runs through the chest. Aneurysms are thin spots in the walls of vessels or arteries that inflate with blood. Since the amount of blood that pumps through the aorta is significant (the aorta has the same diameter as a garden hose), any rupture in the artery can cause extremely harmful conditions, including internal bleeding, organ damage, deterioration of breathing and even death. If a doctor can diagnose an aortic aneurysm before it ruptures, the majority of harmful effects can usually be avoided.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Diagnose an Aortic Aneursym

1. Educate yourself. To learn more about aortic aneurysms, including the history of treatment, visit the American Heart Association's website on aortic aneurysms (see Resources below).
2. Know the risk factors for developing an aneurysm. Though most often caused by a congenital birth defect, aortic aneurysms can also develop from viral infections, a severe body blow and high blood pressure. The occurrence of aortic aneurysms is also greatly increased with smoking, alcoholism, obesity, hypertension and atherosclerosis.
3. Recognize the symptoms. A pulsating sensation or tenderness in your chest or abdomen, as well as back pain not associated with any other conditions, can signal an aortic aneurysm. Unfortunately, smaller aneurysms may not have any symptoms.
4. Request a screening from your physician. CT scans, MRIs and X-rays are often used to diagnose an aneurysm. Only a doctor can diagnose an aortic aneurysm with absolute certainty.
5. Talk it out. If the doctor does indeed diagnose an aortic aneurysm, there is a plethora of treatment options available depending on the size, location and malignancy of the aneurysm. If the aneurysm is harmful, the most common forms of treatment are surgery to clamp the affected area or a graft to prevent further blood flow.

Tips & Warnings

• Once an aortic aneurysm ruptures, it is extremely difficult to treat, requiring either invasive surgery or a graft. To prevent the most deleterious effects of an aortic aneurysm, avoid the risk factors associated with ruptures, including the use of stimulants, smoking, high blood pressure and severe body blows.
• If you or someone you know suffers a ruptured aortic aneurysm, it is imperative that you contact the paramedics immediately. Symptoms of a ruptured aortic aneurysm include severe pain in the abdomen, internal pressure, deterioration of vital body functions including breathing and loss of consciousness.