An aortic aneurysm is a bulge that occurs in a weakened area of the aorta, the largest artery in your body.

The aorta travels up from your heart. Curving 180 degrees, it goes down through your chest and abdomen. Arteries branch off the aorta. They carry oxygen-rich blood to your head, arms, legs and internal organs.

Your aorta has a thick, flexible wall, so it can withstand the pressure of pumping blood. If the wall becomes damaged or weak, it can widen or balloon out.

Aneurysms can occur anywhere along the aorta:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysms (most common) occur in your abdomen, or stomach.
• Thoracic aortic aneurysms occur in your chest.

Aortic aneurysms can be life-threatening. They may burst (rupture), or a tear may occur between the layers of your aortic wall (aortic dissection). These conditions require emergency treatment. 

Aortic aneurysms are caused by a range of conditions that damage or weaken the aortic wall.

Certain factors can increase your risk for aortic aneurysm, including:

To diagnose an aortic aneurysm, your physician performs a physical exam and reviews your medical and family history. Your physician may also recommend an imaging test, such as an ultrasound, CT or MRI.

A special ultrasound called a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is an effective test for diagnosing thoracic aortic aneurysms. This test provides a detailed picture of your thoracic aorta. It involves inserting an ultrasound probe down your esophagus. Before the procedure, you receive medicine to help you relax.

If you have a family history of aortic aneurysm, your physician may also recommend genetic testing. A genetic test looks for changes (mutations) in certain genes that may be linked to aortic aneurysms.

Aortic Aneurysm Screening

Screening tests help find a condition before you develop symptoms. Your physician may recommend aortic aneurysm screening if you have a family history or other risk factors.

Men between ages 65 and 75 who smoke or have smoked may receive a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm screening test. The innovative UC Davis Health abdominal aortic aneurysm surveillance program uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify patients who may need screening.

Your treatment depends on many factors, including the size and location of the aneurysm and your overall health. For a small aneurysm, treatment may include medications, lifestyle changes and close monitoring.

If there is a risk of rupture, you will need a minimally invasive or surgical procedure to fix the aneurysm. Our caring team helps you understand your options and decide the best treatment for you.

Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Endovascular procedures repair aneurysms from inside the artery.

An interventional cardiologist inserts a thin, hollow tube (catheter) through an artery in your groin to your aorta. They pass a collapsed stent (fabric-covered metal mesh tube) through the catheter and expand it inside the aorta. The stent provides long-lasting support.

Two main types of endovascular procedures for aortic aneurysm repair are: 

• Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysms
• Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for thoracic aortic aneurysms

Because these techniques are minimally invasive, you typically experience less pain and recover faster than with open surgery.

Our interventional cardiologists are nationally recognized for their skill. Other medical centers across the U.S. ask us to teach their physicians complex endovascular procedures. 

Aortic Aneurysm Surgery

Aortic aneurysm surgery involves replacing the damaged section of aorta with a fabric tube (graft). Surgery can be complex if the aneurysm lies close to branching arteries. In this case, specialized or custom grafts may be necessary.

Our surgeons have extensive skill and experience in performing complex aortic aneurysm procedures. This expertise leads to excellent outcomes for our patients. 

A heart-healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent an aortic aneurysm. Steps you can take include:

• Eat healthy foods: Focus on eating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. Limit sugar, alcohol and processed foods.
• Exercise routinely: Strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Before starting an exercise program, talk to your physician about how much exercise is safe for you.
• Get enough sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each day.
• Maintain a healthy weight: A body mass index (BMI) under 25 is ideal. Find out if your BMI is in the healthy range.
• Manage your blood pressure: Check your blood pressure at least once a year. If you have high blood pressure, work with your physician to bring your levels down.
• Quit smoking: Giving up cigarettes is an important thing you can do to prevent aortic aneurysms and improve your health. If you need support quitting, our specialists can help.