Aortic aneurysm: Risks and treatment

The aorta is large and, in some ways, in charge. It’s the body’s biggest artery, and it’s central both in location and function. The aorta serves as the blood’s highway as it journeys to feed and nourish organs, muscles and tissue. Extending from the heart’s left ventricle, this tubular structure measures a foot long and, at widest, is about twice the diameter of a garden hose.

Any leak from this large pipe can be trouble. When a disruption happens, it’s commonly associated with a bulge or enlargement called an aortic aneurysm.

Until a leak occurs, most aneurysms cause no symptoms and are often discovered when checking for something else.