An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal balloon-like bulge in the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the entire body.
Aortic aneurysms can dissect or rupture:

• The force of blood pumping can split the layers of the artery wall, allowing blood to

• leak in between them. This process is called a dissection.

• The aneurysm can burst completely, causing bleeding inside the body. This is called a rupture

• Both these conditions are life-threatening and immediate surgery is required to prevent this