An aortic aneurysm is a stretched and bulging area in the wall of the aorta. The aorta is the large artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A thoracic aortic aneurysm happens in the section of the aorta that is in the chest.
Thoracic aortic aneurysms are also known as ascending or descending aortic aneurysms.
Current as of: December 19, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & David A. Szalay MD - Vascular Surgery & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Jeffrey J. Gilbertson MD - Vascular Surgery
