Thoracic aneurysm

The aorta is the body’s largest blood vessel, which carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The part of the aorta that runs through the chest is called the thoracic aorta. A thoracic aneurysm is a weak area in the wall of the aorta. When an area is weak, it may bulge like a balloon when blood flows through it. Aneurysms are a serious health risk because they may burst or rupture, causing severe internal bleeding.

Risk factors

Most aneurysms are caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a process in which deposits called plaque build up in the arteries, decreasing blood flow.

Although atherosclerosis may occur at any age, it is more common in people over age 45 and people with a family history of heart disease. These are risk factors you can’t control. Risk factors you can control include:

• smoking
• high blood cholesterol
• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• obesity
• physical inactivity

Aneurysms may also occur because of an inherited disease, such as Marfan syndrome.

Symptoms

Many patients have no symptoms unless the aneurysm begins to leak or expand. Possible symptoms include:

• pain in the chest or back
• coughing, hoarseness or difficulty breathing

Prevention

Atherosclerosis cannot be cured or completely prevented, but you can control your risk factors to keep your arteries healthy and prevent an aortic aneurysm. Learn more.