Aortic Aneurysms

When it comes to your health, nothing is more important than knowledge and understanding. The following Health Break from the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, contains health information that can help you and your family live longer, healthier lives.

An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of the aorta, which is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the body. Aneurysms form due to weakness in the wall of the artery, high blood pressure or a combination of the two. As an aortic aneurysm enlarges, it may rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. A pulsating area in the abdomen may be due to an aortic aneurysm. Surgical treatment often is required to treat large and growing aneurysms.

For more information on aortic aneurysm, consult your physician or visit the Heart Lung Vascular Institute.

This Health Break has been brought to you by the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Wisdom For Your Life.