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:
July 6, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Jeffrey J. Gilbertson MD - Vascular Surgery
