The aorta is the largest artery in the body and is the blood vessel that
carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to all parts of the body. The
section of the aorta that runs through the chest is called the thoracic aorta
and, as the aorta moves down through the abdomen it is called the abdominal
aorta.

What is a thoracic aortic aneurysm?
When an artery wall in the aorta weakens, the wall abnormally expands or bulges
as blood is pumped through it, causing an aortic aneurysm. The bulge or
ballooning may be defined as a:
• Fusiform: Uniform in shape, appearing equally along an extended section and edges of the aorta.
• Saccular aneurysm: Small, lop-sided blister on one side of the aorta that forms in a weakened area of the aorta

Who is affected by thoracic aortic aneurysms?
Thoracic aortic aneurysms affect approximately 15,000 people in the United
States each year. Up to 47,000 people die each year from all types of aortic
disease; more than from breast cancer, AIDS, homicides, or motor vehicle
accidents, making aortic disease a silent epidemic.
Is a thoracic aortic aneurysm serious?
A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a serious health risk because, depending on
its location and size, it may rupture or dissect (tear), causing
life-threatening internal bleeding. When detected in time, a thoracic aortic
aneurysm can often be repaired with surgery or other less invasive techniques.
Small aneurysms place one at increased risk for:
• Atherosclerotic plaque (fat and calcium deposits) formation at the site
of the aneurysm
• A clot (thrombus) may form at the site and dislodge, increasing the chance of
strokeIncrease in the aneurysm size, causing it to press on other organs,
causing pain
• Aortic dissection, or tearing of the layers of the aorta, a potentially fatal
complication and a medical emergency. • Aneurysm rupture, because the artery
wall thins at this spot, it is fragile and may burst under stress. A sudden
rupture of an aortic aneurysm may be life threatening and is a medical emergency
What causes a thoracic aortic aneurysm?
Thoracic aortic aneurysms are most often caused by atherosclerosis, a hardening
of the arteries that damages the artery’s walls. While your arteries are
normally smooth on the inside, as you age they can develop atherosclerosis. When
atherosclerosis occurs, a sticky substance called plaque builds up in the walls
of the arteries. Over time, excess plaque causes the aorta to stiffen and
weaken.
Your risk for atherosclerosis increases if you:
• Are a smoker
• Have high blood pressure
• Have high cholesterol
• Are overweight
• Have a family history of cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease (a
narrowing of the blood vessels)
Certain diseases can also weaken the layers of the aortic wall and increase the
risk of thoracic aortic aneurysms, including:
• Marfan syndrome (a genetic connective tissue disorder)
• Other non-specific connective tissue disorders (characterized by a family
history of aneurysms)
• Presence of a bicuspid aortic valve
• Syphilis
• Tuberculosis
Rarely, trauma, such as a severe fall or car accident can cause a thoracic
aortic aneurysm. As you age, your risk of developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm
increases. More men than women are diagnosed with thoracic aortic aneurysms, and
are often affected with the condition at a younger age. Recent research
indicates that a substantial amount of aneurysms have familial patterns, or are
inherited from previous generations. It is important to tell your physician if
there is a history of aortic aneurysms in your family to ensure that the best
preventative screenings are completed.
What are the symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm?
Thoracic aortic aneurysms often go unnoticed because patients rarely feel
any symptoms. While only half of those with thoracic aortic aneurysms complain
of symptoms, possible warning signs include:
• Pain in the jaw, neck, and upper back
• Chest or back pain
• Coughing, hoarseness, or difficulty breathing
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