Is a thoracic aortic aneurysm serious?
Thoracic aortic aneurysms affect about 15,000 people in the United States each year, and are the 13th leading cause of death. Research has shown that patients with untreated large thoracic aneurysms of the aorta are more likely to die of complications associated with their aneurysms than from any other cause. What is the best treatment for a thoracic aortic aneurysm? The decision on how to best treat a thoracic aneurysm or the aorta depends on its size and rate of its growth, location and your overall health. The risk of rupture increases when the aneurysm is larger than about twice the normal diameter of a healthy aorta blood vessel. Medical Management If a thoracic aneurysm is small and causes no symptoms, your physician may recommend “watchful waiting,” which includes: • Close monitoring of the aneurysm with CT or MRI scans every 6 months • Blood pressure medication to control high blood pressure, and decrease pressure on the weakened area of the aneurysm • Restriction of some physi
