When you think about an aneurysm, cerebral aneurysms, which affect the brain, may come to mind. But aneurysms also occur in other parts of your body. This includes abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms, which affect the aorta in the abdomen and the chest.
An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel. These bulges occur when a blood vessel wall weakens over time due to blood pressure or other factors. Aneurysms can affect any part of the circulatory system. However, they are most common in the brain and the aorta.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) are two types of aortic aneurysm. An AAA occurs in the part of the aorta that carries blood to the abdomen and lower extremities. A TAA occurs in the part of the aorta that runs through your chest, or thorax.
Many people have aneurysms without realizing it. As aneurysms get worse and larger over time, they may rupture. This can be life-threatening. Larger aneurysms can also cause blood clots to form, which can block blood flow.
If you or a loved one experiences an aneurysm, the vascular experts at the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute can provide the advanced care you need. We have years of expertise in diagnosing and treating abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms.
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As AAAs and TAAs develop, they may not cause any symptoms at first. When an aneurysm grows rapidly, leaks blood within the artery or ruptures, you may feel severe discomfort and other symptoms in the affected part of the body.
Symptoms of an AAA include:
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Pain in the abdomen, back, groin, buttocks or legs
- Rapid heart rate
- Shock
Symptoms of a TAA include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Pain in the chest or upper back
- Stridor, which is high-pitched breathing
- Swelling in the neck
Nausea and vomiting, along with clammy skin, are symptoms of both abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms. If you have any of these symptoms, which most commonly occur when an aneurysm ruptures, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Aortic aneurysms occur because of an underlying weakness in the wall of the aorta – the body’s largest blood vessel. Many factors can cause this weakness. These include atherosclerosis (fatty buildup in blood vessels), high blood pressure and tobacco use.
There is no specific way to prevent abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms. But you can lower your risk with healthy lifestyle habits:
- Eat a healthy diet. Get plenty of fruits and veggies, lean meats, nuts, beans, fish and whole grains. Limit sodium, added sugars and unhealthy fats.
- If you smoke, quit. Smoking can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. Avoid vaping and secondhand smoke as well.
- Keep updated on vaccines. Ask your provider about flu, COVID-19 and other vaccines that can help you avoid illness.
- Limit alcohol. Men should have no more than two drinks per day and women no more than one drink each day.
- Manage other health problems. Take medication for high blood pressure and diabetes and follow your provider’s guidance.
- Sleep well every night. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night.
- Stay physically active. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. Talk to your provider about which exercises are good for you. Be sure to watch for signs that your heart is working too hard. If you become short of breath or dizzy while exercising, stop and rest.
- Watch your weight. Take steps to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
If you have any known risk factors for developing an aortic aneurysm, your primary care provider may recommend taking additional steps to protect your health, such as regularly screening for aneurysms.
AAAs and TAAs have some risk factors in common. Having high blood pressure and smoking or using tobacco products are risk factors for both types.
Other risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysms include:
- Being age 50 or older if male and age 65 or older if female
- Having a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Having an atherosclerosis-related heart disease, such as coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease
- Having certain inherited vascular connective tissue disorders
Other risk factors for thoracic aortic aneurysms include:
- Being age 65 or older
- Having a connective tissue disorder such as Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Having a family history of aortic aneurysms
- Having aortic inflammation, bicuspid aortic valve disease or coronary artery disease
- Having inflammation of the aorta
- Having syphilis
- Sustaining an injury from a fall or car accident
A family history of aneurysms is a significant risk factor for both conditions. But it’s particularly impactful for AAAs. According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, having a first-degree relative (a parent, sibling or child) who has had an abdominal aortic aneurysm makes you 12 times more likely to develop an AAA.
Prognosis is best when an aortic aneurysm is treated before it ruptures. Because a ruptured aneurysm is an emergency that can lead to internal bleeding, positive outcomes are less likely when a rupture occurs, particularly an AAA. The Library of Medicine reports that only 1 in 5 people survives a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.
In most cases, your first visit to UK HealthCare Comprehensive Vascular Clinic is a time of education and introductions. You meet members of your care team and learn about detecting, treating and managing your vascular condition.
Diagnosing vascular disease is a unique process that requires detective work. One of the most important steps toward diagnosis is listening to your story. Your team will ask a lot of questions about your symptoms and medical history. The goal is to gather all the information that can help pinpoint the source of your vascular issue.
Along with discussing your medical history, you will undergo a physical examination. Your care team will then be able to determine the proper next step to take on your diagnostic journey.
When appropriate, your team may prescribe one or more diagnostic tests. These tests typically take place on a different day, and your care team helps schedule them at your convenience. In some cases, you will undergo an ultrasound or other testing as part of your initial visit.
When coming to your first vascular appointment, plan to do the following:
- Arrive early. You may need to fill out paperwork when you arrive. Getting to your appointment early ensures you have time to complete paperwork without feeling rushed.
- Bring a current list of medications or supplements you take. You should also list any previous surgeries, symptoms you’ve experienced and other past health issues.
- Dress comfortably. Working toward a diagnosis takes time. Comfortable clothes help you remain relaxed and attentive throughout your visit. They also make it easier for your team to perform your physical exam.
- Eat and drink normally. In most cases, you won’t undergo imaging or other testing at your first visit. Therefore, there are no dietary restrictions. If specialized testing is part of your first visit, a team member will call to explain any dietary restrictions to follow for your visit. We will also mail you a letter with instructions.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- Request a loved one to join you. Bring a family member or friend with you to take notes and ask questions you may not think of asking.
Where we are
UK HealthCare Comprehensive Vascular Clinic is located at 740 S. Limestone on the fifth floor, wing D, room L-504.
Where to park
Please park in the parking garage across the street, which is located at 140 Huguelet Drive. For easiest access, drive to the back of the garage and use one of the parking spots reserved for patients of the Comprehensive Vascular Clinic. Once inside, you can access further assistance at the information desk. Wheelchairs are available upon request.
Our vascular care experts help residents of Central Kentucky and beyond improve their vascular health every day. To improve the future of treatment and management of vascular conditions, they also participate in clinical trials.
At any given time, our staff engages in trials for new treatments and devices that provide better treatment and management of vascular conditions. By offering access to clinical trials, we provide access to vascular treatment not available at many other facilities.
If you’re a candidate for an ongoing trial, your care team will discuss the possibility with you.
