Aortic aneurysms are silent dilations of the body’s largest artery and can be fatal if they rupture. Often undetected in India due to lack of awareness, these can now be treated safely with minimally invasive procedures like EVAR. Early detection and timely treatment can save lives.
An aortic aneurysm is a condition where the aorta—the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body—becomes abnormally enlarged or ballooned due to weakness in its wall. This may occur in any segment of the aorta, but most commonly affects the abdominal region (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm or AAA), followed by the chest area (Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm or TAA) and sometimes, the branches leading to the pelvis and legs (Iliac Aneurysms).
While an aneurysm may sound like a rare problem, it’s more common than we think—especially in the elderly and in people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol and genetic predisposition.
Most aneurysms do not cause symptoms and grow silently over years. The danger lies in the fact that they can suddenly rupture, leading to massive internal bleeding, shock and often, death within minutes if untreated.
In India, the condition is largely underdiagnosed, as there are no national screening programs like those in the USA or UK, where high-risk populations (e.g. elderly smokers) are routinely screened with ultrasound. As a result, aneurysms are often discovered late, or worse—after they have ruptured.
This is the most common form of aneurysm and occurs below the renal arteries in the abdominal portion of the aorta.
Key Points:
Why Size Matters:
Complications of AAA:
Occurs in the chest portion of the aorta. Less common than AAA but equally serious.
Key Features:
Thoracic aneurysms are typically diagnosed by CT scan or echocardiography and require careful follow-up. Surgery is advised when:
These occur in the arteries branching off from the abdominal aorta and going toward the pelvis and legs.
Important Notes:
Several factors increase the risk of developing an aortic aneurysm:
| Risk Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Common in people over 60 |
| Smoking | Most significant modifiable risk |
| Hypertension | Weakens arterial wall |
| High cholesterol | Promotes atherosclerosis |
| Family history | Strong genetic component |
| Atherosclerosis | Hardening and narrowing of arteries |
| Male gender | Men are 4–6 times more likely to develop AAAs |
Most aneurysms are asymptomatic and detected incidentally on imaging. If you’re in a high-risk group, screening is advisable.
Not every aneurysm requires immediate surgery. Treatment depends on:
Modern treatment options have revolutionized aneurysm care. We no longer have to wait for rupture; we can intervene safely and effectively.
Ideal For:
Open Surgical Repair
Reserved for:
Swelling does not reduce with elevation. Skin becomes thickened and pitting becomes difficult.
Extensive swelling with skin hardening, deformity, nodules or ulcers. Limb becomes very heavy and functionally limited.
Average survival of patients with untreated large aneurysms is 17 months. Timely treatment is the only effective way to prevent rupture and death.
We follow a systematic and individualized approach:
We offer EVAR, TEVAR, Iliac stenting, Hybrid repairs and open reconstructions, depending on each patient’s needs.
Aortic aneurysms are silent killers. They don’t cause symptoms until it’s too late. But with modern diagnostics and advanced treatments like EVAR, we can detect and treat aneurysms before they become dangerous. If you are over 60, a smoker, or have hypertension or family history, consider getting screened. A simple scan can make all the difference. If diagnosed early, aneurysms can be managed safely with high success rates and minimal risks. Book a consultation today to evaluate your vascular health or get screened for aneurysms. Prevention and early treatment save lives — and we’re here to help you every step of the way
