string(0) "" This type of chest pain, in distinction to typical angina, is usually not directly related to exertion. Select a LocationNorthwestern PA and New YorkNorth Central PASouth Central PASouthwestern PAWestern MDOther, array(25) { Subscribe to our YouTube channel. The descending thoracic aorta begins at the bottom of aortic arch and extends downward to the abdomen. An abdominal aortic aneurysm that expands quickly is more likely to cause symptoms, such as sudden abdominal or back pain, and is at risk of rupturing. Several factors can contribute to the development of an ascending aortic aneurysm and other types of aneurysms, including: ["subcategory"]=> One, in the chest, is a thoracic aortic aneurysm. string(0) "" It is shaped like a cane and comes out from your heart, down through your chest, and into your abdomen (the lower part of your belly). string(0) "" The heart is one of the main essential organs in our body, and it pumps blood all across the body with the help of the Aorta artery. string(0) "" The aortic root is located where the aorta attaches to the heart. Sorry, an error occurred. All locations are open for appointments and procedures. ["utm_campaign"]=> Learn more about traditional open surgery for aortic aneurysms. Degenerative Changes Aortic aneurysms, especially thoracic aortic … abdominal aortic aneurysms in general does not create any form of health issue. string(0) "" }, array(25) { The shape of an aortic aneurysm is either saccular or fusiform. string(7) "#ffffff" males are much more commonly affected than females (4:1 male/female ratio) ["background-color"]=> Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis is strongly associated with the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms.1 The risk factors for aortic aneurysms are identical to those of atherosclerosis, and taking steps to preventone helps to prevent the other. }, Treating Emergency Heart Conditions: A Team Effort, New Heart Procedure Now Available at UPMC Altoona, A Valentine’s Day to Remember: Margo’s Story, Heart Health: How to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, your doctor may recommend treatment based on the aneurysm size and location, schedule an appointment for an evaluation, A pulsing feeling near your belly button, like a heart beat, Severe pain in your abdomen or back that comes and goes. Types of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) Types of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms (TAA) The three different types of aneurysms: Fusiform, saccular, and pseudoaneurysm. Aortic aneurysms usually develop over many years. The type of surgery will depend on the location and type of aneurysm, and your overall health. string(0) "" string(0) "" string(0) "" A true aneurysm involves all three layers of the arterial blood vessel wall. This can be life-threatening, especially if the aneurysm bursts. string(0) "" Several other arteries branch off from this part of the aorta to supply blood to organs, lymph nodes, and tissue in the torso. The cause of AAAs is currently unknown. The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute has long been a leader in cardiovascular care, with a rich history in clinical research and innovation. string(0) "" ["exclude-healthbeat"]=> Aortic aneurysms cause weakness in the wall of the aorta and increase the risk of aortic rupture. In addition, different aneurysm rupture sites determine different types of clinical presentations in patients. ["buttontext"]=> Follow us on Instagram. A descending thoracic aortic aneurysm can cause back pain. ["nmab"]=> Men are usually at higher risk for developing aortic aneurysms than women. They usually cause no symptoms except when ruptured. Diagnosis of Aortic Aneurysms. ["font-color"]=> A burst aneurysm is a medical emergency, so if you think you or someone else has this condition, call 9-1-1 right away. Treatment often involves creating bypasses around the affected parts of the aorta. The goal of any treatment strategy is to preventing the rupture of an aneurysm by controlling the growth of the aneurysm. Treatment requires collaboration by cardiac and vascular surgeons, who replace the affected vessels or use a stent graft to place a synthetic tube that strengthens the arterial wall. 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