Aortic aneurysm is  a condition in which  the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body, bulges up. While the walls of the aorta are strong and durable, their weakening  is what  leads to the aneurysm. It is a serious condition that can cause severe complications, such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney damage, and rupture of the aneurysm. Understanding aortic aneurysm signs and treatment options is important to manage the condition.

Signs and symptoms
Usually, an aortic  aneurysm does  not show any signs  and  symptoms in the early stages. But ,  when the aneurysm grows and affects other organs, individuals may suddenly start noticing some symptoms.

Chest pain
A sudden and intense chest pain is a common sign of aortic aneurysm.  This symptom may specifically indicate a thoracic aortic aneurysm , which occurs  in the upper part of the chest.  The chest pain associated with an aortic aneurysm is usually sharp and persistent.

Pain in the back, neck, and jaw
Another common symptom of thoracic aortic aneurysm is a sharp and sudden pain in the back. If the pain does not go away with movement, it may indicate this condition.  Apart from this, individuals  may also experience similar pain in their neck and jaw.

Abdominal pain
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a condition in which the aortic aneurysm forms near the stomach.  A common symptom of this condition is abdominal pain . Along with this, individuals may also experience pain in their  side or lower back. One may  even  notice the abdominal pain worsening upon exercising or eating.  In some cases, it can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Feeling a throbbing sensation in the stomach
Another common sign that indicates an abdominal aortic aneurysm is feeling a throbbing or pulsating sensation in the stomach.

Difficulty swallowing
In some cases , the aortic aneurysm may press on the  esophagus,  or the food pipe, which connects the mouth to the stomach. If that happens, individuals may experience swallowing problems.

Difficulty breathing and dizziness
Besides the esophagus, the aortic aneurysm can also put pressure on the trachea or the  windpipe,  in certain cases. Due to this, individuals may experience difficulty breathing, and if this persists, they may also feel dizzy.

Irregular heartbeat
An aortic aneurysm can also impact the regular functioning and beating of the heart. Due to this, one may experience rapid or irregular heartbeats.

Fatigue
An aortic aneurysm can cause a disruption in the normal flow of blood, which means that the blood may not reach all the organs and tissues in the body in adequate amounts. Because of this, one may experience persistent fatigue and weakness.

Swelling of the face, neck, or arms
In some cases, the aortic aneurysm may put pressure on the vein  that is  responsible for transporting blood from the upper body back to the heart. If that happens, one may notice  their  face, neck, or arms  swelling .

Coughing, wheezing, and hoarseness
Persistent coughing can also be a sign of an aortic aneurysm. In certain cases, individuals may also cough up blood. In addition to this, an aortic aneurysm can cause wheezing and hoarseness.

A feeling of fullness in the stomach
If one  finds themselves feeling  full even after a small meal or if they usually experience a feeling of fullness in the stomach, it may be a sign of an aortic aneurysm.

Home remedies for aortic aneurysm
There are some aortic aneurysm home remedies and lifestyle changes that one can try to manage the condition.

Following a heart-healthy food regime
One  of the best ways to manage aortic aneurysm and prevent it from worsening  is eating heart-healthy foods .   These include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein foods , such as  chicken and fish.  One can also add low-fat dairy products to their daily meals. Along with eating these foods, one must also avoid or at least reduce their intake of foods with saturated fats and trans fats. Limiting salt intake can also help manage the condition.

Managing stress
When dealing with an aortic aneurysm, it is crucial to manage and reduce stress.  This is because stress  can increase blood pressure, which can worsen the  aortic  aneurysm.

Exercising regularly
Doing light  and moderate exercises, such as walking for at least 30 minutes on a regular basis, can also help manage the condition.  But, one must avoid performing intense exercises as these  can worsen the aneurysm.

Treatment options for aortic aneurysm
Based on the stage and severity of the condition, doctors may suggest one of the aortic aneurysm treatment options.

Open surgery
This procedure involves the removal of the part of the aorta where the aneurysm is located and replacing it with an artificial tube. This surgery may also be required if the aneurysm ruptures.

Endovascular surgery
This procedure involves repairing the weakened walls of the aorta to make them stronger. Doing this helps prevent the rupturing of that aneurysm.