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Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
A bulge in the wall of the main artery (aorta) in the chest. It often has no symptoms but can be dangerous if it grows large or tears.
Causes & risk factors
- High blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis (hardened arteries)
- Inherited connective tissue disorders
- Bicuspid aortic valve
- Ageing and smoking
Common symptoms
- Often no symptoms
- Chest or upper back pain
- Back pain
- Breathlessness
- Cough or hoarseness
Tests & diagnosis
- Chest X-ray
- CT scan of the aorta
- Echocardiogram
- MRI
Treatment & management
- Strict blood pressure control
- Stopping smoking
- Regular scans to watch the size
- Surgery to repair or replace the aorta if large or growing
- Stent-graft (endovascular) repair in selected cases
When to see a doctor urgently
- Call emergency services for sudden severe chest or back pain (possible tear)
- See a doctor for a known aneurysm that is enlarging
- Report a family history of aortic disease to your doctor
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about thoracic aortic aneurysm. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
When does an aneurysm need surgery?
Usually when it reaches a certain size or grows quickly, as the risk of tearing then rises.
Can I prevent it getting worse?
Controlling blood pressure, not smoking and regular monitoring all help.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.