A ruptured aortic aneurysm is a medical condition characterized by a sudden and severe tear or rupture of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. The aorta is responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
An aneurysm refers to an abnormal swelling or bulging of a blood vessel, usually due to a weakened area in the vessel wall. When this weakening occurs in the aorta, it forms an aortic aneurysm. If the weakened area within the aorta bursts or tears, it leads to a ruptured aortic aneurysm.
The rupture of an aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. When the aorta ruptures, blood leaks out of the vessel and into the surrounding areas, causing internal bleeding. The severity of symptoms depends on the location and extent of the rupture.
Symptoms of a ruptured aortic aneurysm often include sudden, intense and persistent chest or back pain that may radiate to the neck, jaw, arms, or abdomen. Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, dizziness, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, clammy skin, and loss of consciousness may also occur.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improve a patient's chances of survival. Emergency medical intervention usually involves surgical repair or endovascular stent grafting to control the bleeding and prevent further complications. If left untreated, a ruptured aortic aneurysm can be fatal due to severe internal bleeding and organ damage.
