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Aortic Aneurysm

At Henry Ford Health, our team of specialists has extensive experience managing aortic aneurysms, no matter how complex. We provide you with lifelong care and draw on a range of treatments to keep you feeling your best.

Why choose Henry Ford for aortic aneurysm treatment?

We have a proven track record for delivering leading-edge aneurysm treatments. As one of only two dedicated aortic disease programs in southeast Michigan, physicians throughout the region refer their most challenging aneurysm cases to our team.

At our Aortic Disease Program, you’ll find:

  • Pioneers in aortic aneurysm treatment: Our vascular surgeons were among the first in Michigan to perform EVAR and FEVAR, minimally invasive procedures for aortic aneurysms. We continue to investigate new techniques and devices for less invasive surgeries and better outcomes.
  • Ongoing support: Nurse navigators with specialization in aortic disease guide you through every phase of aneurysm diagnosis and treatment. They coordinate your care with our team of specialists, schedule imaging and follow-up appointments, and answer any questions you may have.
  • Multispecialty approach: Experts in heart surgery, vascular surgery, cardiology and cardiac imaging work together to evaluate your condition. They tailor treatment to your individual needs with a focus on long-term outcomes and quality of life.

What is an aortic aneurysm?

An aortic aneurysm is a weakened area of your aorta that forms a balloon-like bulge. The aorta is the body’s largest artery, carrying blood from your heart to the rest of your body.

An aortic aneurysm can dissect (tear) or rupture (burst) and cause life-threatening bleeding. Early diagnosis and proper treatment reduce your risk of these complications.

Types of aortic aneurysms

The aorta spans your thoracic (chest) and abdominal (belly) regions of your upper body. Aneurysms can develop in any part of your aorta:

  • Aortic root: Connects the aorta to your heart
  • Ascending aorta: First part of the aorta that contains the coronary arteries supplying blood to your heart
  • Aortic arch: Curved section of the aorta with arteries supplying blood to your brain, arms, head and neck
  • Thoracic descending aorta: Extends down through the chest with arteries supplying blood to your lungs, esophagus and spine
  • Abdominal aorta: Extends from your diaphragm to the pelvis with arteries supplying the stomach, intestines, kidneys, liver and other organs with blood

Aortic aneurysm symptoms

Aortic aneurysms usually develop slowly over many years, so you may not experience symptoms at first. Some aneurysms stay small, while others expand. As an aortic aneurysm grows, the risk of rupture (bursting) increases, and you may notice symptoms

Symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm can include:

  • Chest pain or tenderness
  • Cough or high-pitched breathing
  • Hoarseness or swallowing problems
  • Shortness of breath
  • Upper back pain

Symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm can include:

  • Back pain
  • Constant, deep pain in your abdomen or side
  • Lump in your abdomen
  • Pulsating sensation near your navel (belly button)

The following could be symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm, which is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go the nearest emergency room if you have:

  • Sudden, intense pain in your chest, abdomen or back
  • Pain in your neck, jaw or arms
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness
  • Rapid heart rate

Aortic aneurysm screening and diagnosis

Your doctor may recommend screening if you’re at risk for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), the most common type of aortic aneurysm. A screening is a test that detects a disease before symptoms appear. We use ultrasounds to screen for AAAs. Learn more about the importance of aneurysm screening.

You may need an AAA ultrasound screening if you are a male between the ages of 65 and 75 who smokes or has smoked in the past. Other risk factors for males and females include:

  • Genetic conditions such as Marfan or Turner syndrome
  • High blood pressure, high cholesterol or another cardiovascular condition
  • Personal or family history of aneurysms

We often find aortic aneurysms during routine screenings or imaging exams for other conditions. At Henry Ford, our team uses the latest technology to diagnose and monitor aortic aneurysms. Learn more about our aortic disease diagnosis process.

Aortic aneurysm treatment at Henry Ford

Small or slow-growing aneurysms may not need treatment right away. In these cases, we often recommend close monitoring, medication and lifestyle changes. Larger aneurysms and those at risk for aortic dissection or rupture may need surgery.

At Henry Ford, we offer both open and minimally invasive aortic aneurysm surgery. As the most experienced aortic disease program in southeast Michigan, you’ll find treatments for complex aortic aneurysms that aren’t widely available. We specialize in treating aneurysms that are difficult to access and involve critical branching arteries.

Learn more about aortic disease treatment and our expertise in open aortic surgery and endovascular aneurysm repair.

Take the next step

Request an appointment with a member of our aortic disease team or use one of the numbers below:

  • Detroit or southeast Michigan: (844) 725-6424
  • Jackson or south central Michigan: (517) 205-1305
What is an Aortic Aneurysm?

Learn more about what an aortic aneurysm is, what the symptoms are and potential risk factors from Dr. Andi Peshkepija, vascular surgeon.

Dr. Andi Peshkepija, MD Play


  • What is an aortic aneurysm?

    The aorta is the body’s largest artery, carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body through smaller arteries. Beginning at the heart, the aorta leads upward, then curves into an arch and travels back down through the chest and abdomen to the pelvis.

    An aneurysm happens when weakness in a section of artery wall causes it to bulge outward. If the weakened area continues to enlarge, it becomes thin and can burst, causing severe internal bleeding.

    Types of aortic aneurysms

    Aortic aneurysms are described according to where they develop along the aorta:

    • Thoracic aortic aneurysms occur in the upper aorta, which rises from the heart and curves downward through the chest.
    • Abdominal aortic aneurysms, the most common type, occur in the lower aorta from just below the chest to the pelvis.
    • Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms develop in the chest and abdomen, in both the upper and lower sections of the aorta.

    Aortic aneurysm complications

    If left untreated, aortic aneurysms can lead to:

    • Ruptured aneurysm, a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical care and is a leading cause of death in men
    • Aortic dissection, one or more tears in the aorta’s wall
    • Blood clots near the aneurysm that can break off and block blood flow elsewhere in the body
  • What causes an aortic aneurysm?

    Aortic aneurysms can develop from several possible causes. The causes can vary depending on where the aneurysm occurs.

    Causes common to all types of aneurysms:

    • Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis): Cholesterol, fat and other substances build up inside artery walls, causing them to narrow and stiffen.
    • High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage and weaken the aorta's walls.
    • Other health conditions: Infections in the aorta and certain diseases can cause inflammation in arteries, which weakens their walls.
    • Trauma: Serious falls or car accidents can cause an aortic aneurysm.

    Causes specific to thoracic aneurysms:

    • Certain genetic conditions: Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome and Turner syndrome are connective tissue disorders that can weaken the aorta’s walls.
    • Heart valve disorders: An abnormal or diseased aortic valve, which controls blood flow from the heart to the aorta, can increase the risk of thoracic aneurysm.

    Risk factors for aortic aneurysms

    Certain factors can increase your risk of an aortic aneurysm. These factors include:

    • Age (typically 65 and older)
    • Smoking
    • Family history of aortic aneurysms
  • Symptoms of an aortic aneurysm

    Because aortic aneurysms usually develop slowly over many years, you may not experience symptoms at first. Some aneurysms stay small, while others expand, sometimes quickly. As aortic aneurysms expand, the risk of rupture grows.

    Symptoms specific to a thoracic aneurysm

    Symptoms that occur with aneurysms in the upper aorta include:

    • Chest pain or tenderness
    • Upper back pain
    • Cough or high-pitched breathing
    • Hoarseness or swallowing problems
    • Shortness of breath

    Symptoms of abdominal and thoracoabdominal aneurysms

    Aneurysms in the lower aorta have some different symptoms, such as:

    • Constant, deep pain in your abdomen or side
    • Back pain
    • Pulsating sensation near your navel
    • Lump in your abdomen

    Symptoms of a ruptured aorta

    Certain symptoms might mean that an aortic aneurysm has ruptured. Seek emergency medical care if you experience:

    • Sudden, intense pain in your chest, abdomen or back
    • Pain in your neck, jaw or arms
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Dizziness
    • Rapid heart rate
  • How do doctors diagnose an aortic aneurysm?

    If you have a small aneurysm, you may not experience noticeable symptoms. Often, your doctor finds an aortic aneurysm during a routine exam or on an imaging study for another condition.

    At Henry Ford, our vascular team conducts a thorough evaluation to confirm a diagnosis of an aortic aneurysm. Learn more about our vascular testing and our process for aortic disease diagnosis.

    If your parent or sibling had an aortic aneurysm, get a screening test. Henry Ford’s certified imaging technologists provide advanced imaging to check for aortic aneurysms.

  • Aortic aneurysm treatment at Henry Ford

    At the Multidisciplinary Aorta Program, our vascular team has advanced training and years of experience. You’ll receive care from one of the few programs in Michigan offering the full range of options.

    We treat people with all types of aortic aneurysms, using medications, monitoring, minimally invasive procedures and open surgery. Working closely with you, our vascular team uses the least invasive treatments that provide you with the longest-lasting results.

    Lifestyle changes and medications for aortic aneurysm

    The main treatment goal for an aortic aneurysm is to prevent a rupture or dissection. For a small, stable aneurysm, we typically begin your treatment with lifestyle changes and medications. Our vascular medicine and cardiologists offer conservative treatment options that include:

    Recommendations for healthy lifestyle habits

    You can help slow the condition’s progress and improve the way you feel with small changes toward a healthier lifestyle. Our vascular medicine specialists and cardiologists have years of experience helping people develop realistic goals to:

    • Quit smoking
    • Eat a more nutritious diet that’s low in cholesterol, saturated fats and sodium
    • Stay physically active
    • Maintain a healthy weight

    You can work with us one-on-one, or we can refer you to Henry Ford programs such as:

    • Tobacco Treatment Service, which includes options for individual coaching by phone and Freedom From Smoking® classes
    • Henry Ford PREVENT Program, a medically supervised exercise program with individual and group options, nutrition classes and education on healthy habits

    Medications for aortic aneurysm

    Depending on your specific needs, our vascular medicine specialists and cardiologists prescribe medications such as:

    • Blood thinners to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke
    • Medications to lower blood pressure
    • Statins to control high cholesterol

    EVAR and other minimally invasive procedures for aortic aneurysm

    Large (about 2 inches) or fast-growing aneurysms require either a minimally invasive procedure or open surgery for repair.

    Our surgeons use catheters (thin, flexible tubes) and miniature instruments to provide minimally invasive procedures, using just a needle puncture or tiny incision. The procedures take an endovascular approach, meaning work is done inside blood vessels.

    Read more about your endovascular options:

    Open surgery for aortic aneurysm

    Some aortic aneurysms may need open surgery to repair. Learn more about aortic disease treatments using open surgery.

  • Follow-up care for aortic aneurysm

    You’ll see our vascular medicine specialists and cardiologists for follow-up and long-term monitoring after surgery or a procedure. We make sure that your blood pressure is under control and adjust your medications as necessary.

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