Patient Education: Diseases Conditions Treatments & Procedures

Aneurysm, aortic

Introduction

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in a section of the aorta, the body's main artery. The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Because the section with the aneurysm is overstretched, it can burst. If the aorta bursts, it can cause serious bleeding that can quickly lead to death.

Aneurysms can form in any section of the aorta, but they are most common in the belly area. They can also happen in the upper body.