Up to 8% of Americans have an abdominal aortic aneurysm today. If you have an aortic aneurysm, the esteemed team of cardiovascular specialists at ARK Cardiovascular & Arrhythmia Center offers diagnosis and treatment options at their convenient locations in Dearborn, Detroit, and Trenton, Michigan, and a diagnostic and imaging center in Trenton. Book your appointment online, or call the office nearest you for help now.
An aortic aneurysm is a weakening and ballooning of the aorta, the biggest artery in the human body. The artery moves through the chest and abdomen.
Aortic aneurysms grow slowly over time. The aneurysm can tear or rupture, which may cause life-threatening bleeding inside your body. With early detection, however, you can manage the aortic aneurysm properly and prevent this from happening.
The two types of aortic aneurysms are:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm, the most common type of aortic aneurysm, occurs when a part of the aorta that moves through the middle of your abdomen weakens and bulges.
A thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs in the chest area. It can occur within the aortic root or arch, or in the ascending or descending aorta.
Both types of aortic aneurysms usually have consistent ballooning all around the aorta. A saccular aneurysm affects only one part of the aorta, creating lopsided ballooning.
About 75% of aortic aneurysms don’t cause symptoms, which is why they’re often undetected. If your aortic aneurysm tears, is close to rupturing, or does rupture, you may experience:
An abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause sudden pain in your chest, abdomen, lower back, or groin. Some people experience a fluttering sensation in their abdomen.
A thoracic aortic aneurysm can cause sudden pain in your chest or upper back, along with breathing difficulties and problems with swallowing.
These symptoms are urgent and require prompt diagnosis and treatment at ARK Cardiovascular & Arrhythmia Center.
Diagnosis includes a medical exam and full medical history. You also need imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), echocardiogram, ultrasound, chest X-ray, nuclear stress test, or arteriogram.
If you have a family history of aortic aneurysms, you may need screening tests. Doctors often discover aortic aneurysms during physical exams or while testing for other cardiovascular issues.
Treatment depends on your specific situation and risk of rupture. Options can include:
The ARK Cardiovascular & Arrhythmia Center team has extensive experience in advanced surgical methods that require only the smallest of incisions.
Call ARK Cardiovascular & Arrhythmia Center or click the provided link to make an appointment now.