US doctors warn of ‘silent killer’ heart condition affecting millions; symptoms and risk factors

Sunday - 24/08/2025 04:09

Aortic aneurysm is a silent killer affecting many in the US. It is a bulge in the aorta, the body's largest artery. It often shows no symptoms until rupture. Men over 65, especially smokers, are at high risk. Screening is vital for early detection. Treatment options include surgery and less invasive procedures. Lifestyle changes can lower risk.

US doctors warn of ‘silent killer’ heart condition affecting millions; symptoms and risk factors

Aortic aneurysms, often called the “silent killer,” are increasingly raising concerns among US doctors. Affecting around 1% of Americans, this condition develops quietly and can turn fatal in an instant if undetected. Most people with an aneurysm experience no symptoms until it becomes an emergency, making screening and awareness essential. Men over 65, particularly those with a history of smoking, face the highest risk. With early detection, monitoring, and timely treatment, outcomes improve dramatically, yet many remain unaware until it is too late.

What is silent killer ‘aortic aneurysm’ heart condition?

An aortic aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in the wall of the aorta, the body’s largest artery, which carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. These bulges form as the vessel wall weakens and can suddenly rupture or dissect, leading to catastrophic internal bleeding.Types:

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA): Occurs in the chest.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Found in the abdomen—most common, especially below the kidneys.

Why is it called a ‘silent killer’?

Most aneurysms develop silently, showing no symptoms until they are advanced or rupture. When symptoms do appear, they often include:

Severe chest, back, or abdominal pain
Pulsating sensation in the abdomen
Dizziness, fainting, or rapid heartbeat

A rupture is almost always fatal—only about 20% survive such an event.

Risk factors and who should be screened

Main risk factors: Age over 65, male sex, smoking (current or past), high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, family history, and certain congenital conditions like a bicuspid aortic valve. Men are four times more likely to develop an abdominal aneurysm than women.Epidemiology: Around 1% of Americans have an aortic aneurysm, with most deaths occurring in men.Screening recommendations (USPSTF):

One-time ultrasound screening for men aged 65–75 who have ever smoked.
Men in this age group who have never smoked should discuss screening with their doctor.
Insufficient evidence for routine screening in women.

How are they diagnosed?

Abdominal duplex ultrasound – first-line for AAA.
CT scan or echocardiogram – precise measurement or if rupture is suspected.

Symptoms (when they appear)

Persistent abdominal, chest, or back pain
Pulsating sensation in the abdomen
Ripping or tearing pain (possible dissection)
Rapid heart rate, clammy skin, fainting, or shock (rupture warning)

When do you need treatment?

Small, stable aneurysms may only require monitoring. Treatment depends on:

Size: Surgery is considered when an aneurysm reaches 4.8–5.6 cm or grows rapidly.
Symptoms: Pain, leakage, or rupture requires immediate intervention.
Overall health: Surgeons weigh risk factors and comorbidities before operating.

Treatment options

Open aortic surgery: Traditional repair, often needed for thoracic or ascending aneurysms.
Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR): Less invasive, using stent grafts for abdominal aneurysms.
Recovery: Ranges from a few weeks (EVAR) to several months (open surgery).