What is a thoracic aortic aneurysm?
The thoracic aorta is the largest artery in your body that carries the blood directly from your heart and is divided into the ascending thoracic aorta, the aortic arch, and the descending thoracic aorta. When a portion of your aorta bulges or enlarges it is called an aneurysm.
There are several risk factors which may cause an aneurysm including atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, connective tissue disorders (Marfanâs Syndrome), inflammatory disorders and family history.