heart problems

Aneurysm means when a part of a vessel become weak and swells. There is possibility of rupture with dreaded outcome. so if diagnosed should be treated by vascular surgeon.

Aortic aneurysm is a widening (bulging) of part of the wall of the aorta, the body is largest artery. Details at Medline Plus (US National Library of Medicine):

http://nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001119.htm

What is the aortic root?

The aortic root is the portion of the aorta (the major vessel supplying blood to the body) that is attached to the heart. It contains the aortic valve & gives rise to the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle). The aortic root is continuous with the ascending aorta (the portion of the aorta between the root & the aortic arch).

Aneurysm of the aortic arch

The aortic arch is the portion of the aorta where blood is directed to the brain & arms. The aortic arch has three major branches: the innominate artery, which supplies blood to the right arm & right side of the brain, the left common carotid artery, which supplies blood to the left brain, & the left subclavian artery, which supplies blood to the left arm. In addition to these branches, the aortic arch turns the flow of blood downwards to reach the descending thoracic aorta, which supplies the rest of the body.

What is an aneurysm of the aortic root?

An aneurysm is a ballooning of a blood vessel. This process may occur in any artery in the body. When it occurs in the aortic root, it is called an aortic root aneurysm. The bulging of the aortic root can lead to several serious problems. As the aorta dilates, the risk of rupture (breaking open) increases. An aortic rupture is typically fatal. The risk of rupture becomes quite high when the maximal (greatest) diameter of the aorta reaches five centimeters.

An aortic aneurysm also increases the risk of a dissection, or tear in the wall of the aorta, as the bulging increases. An aortic dissection is also a life threatening emergency & can lead to a full rupture. To learn more about aortic dissections, please click here.

Finally, an aneurysm can dilate the base of the aortic valve, causing aortic valve regurgitation. With regurgitation, the valve fails to adequately seal, allowing the reverse flow of blood & resulting in an inadequate blood flow to the body. As this process ensues, the heart may enlarge & result in congestive heart failure.

An aneurysm can be a life threatening aneurysm or can simply be a non-significant 'bulge' in the main pipe that leads from the heart. If its insignificant they will normally follow you up with annual echoes

An aneurysm is a bulging or widening of the artery. Specifically aorta root would mean at the exit of the heart valve into the aorta, a length measurement of ascending would mean how far up the aorta which then arches over & back down through the torso area.

The larger the aneurysm gets the more dangerous it would be but everybody has individual danger zones based on other health issues. High blood pressure is one problem that can exasterbate the problem.

The first test done would be an echo which l am guessing u have had to know an aneurysm exists. If the doctor is concerned about the size the next step would be a CTA or MRA to verify the size. They may wait a few months & do another echo (or other test) to see how fast it is changing.

If surgery is required, elective (before emergency) has many benefits including faster recovery, less work needed & less future complications. You would also get to discuss options if the valve needs repair or replacement.

An aneurysm does not mean there will be other heart problems but it is possible.