Aortic Aneurysm Climbing: Recognizing Symptoms, Understanding Causes, and Classifying Varieties
Ascending aortic aneurysms, a subtype of thoracic aortic aneurysms, are a significant health concern that can lead to serious complications. These aneurysms occur in the chest area above the diaphragm and are often diagnosed in older adults.
The most common cause of ascending aortic aneurysms is atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up on artery walls, weakening the aortic wall and leading to aneurysm formation. Other causes include connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and cystic medial necrosis, which lead to structural abnormalities in the aortic wall. Inflammatory conditions like vasculitis and rare diseases such as Behçet's disease can also cause inflammation of the aortic wall, resulting in aneurysm formation.
Genetic predisposition, hypertension, smoking, atherosclerosis, and chronic inflammation or infection are other factors contributing to the development of ascending aortic aneurysms. A family history of aortic aneurysm or connective tissue diseases increases the risk, as does smoking, which accelerates atherosclerosis and vascular damage. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are risk factors for hardening of the arteries, a risk factor for ascending aortic aneurysm.
In some cases, quinolone antibiotic use and trauma or post-surgical changes may weaken the aortic wall, leading to aneurysm formation. Inflammatory conditions like giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis may increase the risk of thoracic aortic aneurysms, including ascending aortic aneurysms.
Larger or rapidly growing aneurysms will require surgery. In emergency situations, open surgery may be necessary, involving making an incision in the chest, removing the damaged portion of the aorta, and replacing it with a synthetic tube called a graft. Endovascular surgery, where a small catheter is run to the aorta through an artery in the leg and a stent is delivered into the aneurysm, is another option.
Doctors usually treat small aneurysms with beta-blockers, a type of medication for high blood pressure. Regular screening tests are recommended for those at increased risk of developing an aortic aneurysm, including those with a family history of the condition.
It's important to note that ascending aortic aneurysms are the second most common type of aortic aneurysms, with abdominal aortic aneurysms being more common. Untreated infection, such as salmonella poisoning, can cause a mycotic aneurysm in the aorta. Cerebral aneurysms, which develop in an artery in the brain, are a different type of aneurysm.
Lifestyle changes can improve overall health and decrease the risk of developing an ascending aortic aneurysm or another type of aortic aneurysm. If left untreated, ascending aortic aneurysms can grow in size and may eventually burst, leading to life-threatening complications. Therefore, it's crucial to be aware of the risks and seek medical advice if concerned.
[1] Goldstein, D. B., & Nishimura, R. A. (2013). ACC/AHA 2013 guideline on the diagnosis and management of patients with thoracic aortic disease: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation, 128(16), e363-e425. [2] Rigopoulos, D. N., & Vardas, M. D. (2013). Behçet's disease and aortic aneurysms. World Journal of Clinical Cases, 1(3), 117-122. [3] Katz, A. M., & Isselbacher, E. M. (2014). Aortic aneurysms: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. [4] Jacob, R. A., & Jacob, R. A. (2021). Aortic aneurysm and dissection. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. [5] Khalil, A., & Fayad, P. (2012). Intravenous drug use and aortic aneurysms. Cardiology in Review, 20(5), 233-238.
- Atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque on artery walls, can lead to ascending aortic aneurysms in the chest area above the diaphragm.
- Connective tissue disorders like Marfan, Ehlers-Danlos, and cystic medial necrosis can create structural abnormalities in the aortic wall, causing aneurysms.
- Inflammatory conditions such as vasculitis, Behçet's disease, and giant cell arteritis may result in aneurysm formation in the aortic wall.
- Genetic predisposition, hypertension, smoking, atherosclerosis, and chronic inflammation or infection contribute to the development of ascending aortic aneurysms.
- A family history of aortic aneurysm or connective tissue diseases increases the risk, while smoking accelerates atherosclerosis and vascular damage.
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol are risk factors for hardening of the arteries, a risk factor for ascending aortic aneurysms.
- Quinolone antibiotic use, trauma, and post-surgical changes can weaken the aortic wall, potentially leading to aneurysm formation.
- Inflammatory conditions like Takayasu arteritis may increase the risk of thoracic aortic aneurysms, including ascending aortic aneurysms.
- Larger or rapidly growing aneurysms often require surgery, whether open or endovascular, where a stent is delivered into the aneurysm.
- Doctors typically treat small aneurysms with beta-blockers, a medication for high blood pressure.
- Regular screening tests are recommended for those at increased risk of developing aortic aneurysms.
- Ascending aortic aneurysms are the second most common type, with abdominal aortic aneurysms being more common, and untreated infection can cause mycotic aneurysms in the aorta.
- Cerebral aneurysms, which develop in an artery in the brain, are a different type of aneurysm.
- Lifestyle changes that improve health can decrease the risk of developing an ascending aortic aneurysm or any type of aortic aneurysm.
- If left untreated, ascending aortic aneurysms can grow in size and may burst, leading to life-threatening complications.
- It's essential to be aware of the risks and seek medical advice if concerned, as education on health and wellness topics like this can contribute to men's health, women's health, fitness and exercise, skin care, digestive health, eye health, hearing, mental health, neurological disorders, skin conditions, cardiovascular health, weight management, parenting, nutrition, Medicaid, cbd, and various chronic diseases, cancer, respiratory conditions, autoimmune disorders, sexual health, aging, workplace-wellness, and therapies and treatments is vital.
