Aortic Aneurysm Treatment in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is aortic aneurysm treatment?
Aortic aneurysm treatment is care for a section of the aorta that has become abnormally widened. The aorta carries blood from the heart through the chest and down into the abdomen. When its wall weakens, it can gradually balloon outwards. An aneurysm in the chest is called a thoracic aortic aneurysm, and one in the abdomen is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Most aortic aneurysms grow slowly and cause no symptoms, which is why they are usually found by chance on a scan done for another reason. At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, aortic disease is managed by the cardiology team. The approach rests on three steps: measuring the aneurysm accurately, slowing its growth by controlling the factors that strain the aortic wall, and recognising when its size or growth means repair is safer than continued watching.
Who needs it
Aortic aneurysm treatment is for people whose aorta has been found to be enlarged, for people with symptoms that raise concern about the aorta, and for close relatives of someone with an aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection.
The main risk factors are:
- Smoking, currently or in the past, which is the strongest avoidable risk
- Long-standing high blood pressure
- Being male and over the age of 65
- A parent, brother or sister with an aortic aneurysm or dissection
- Inherited connective tissue conditions, such as Marfan syndrome
- A bicuspid aortic valve, a valve formed with two leaflets instead of three, which is often linked with a widened aorta near the heart
Aortic disease can run in families. Where relatives in the UAE share a family history, screening parents, brothers, sisters and adult children can find an enlarged aorta years before it causes any problem.
What happens
Your cardiologist reviews how the aneurysm was found, your blood pressure, smoking history and family history, and examines you. The next step is an accurate measurement of the aorta. The part of the aorta closest to the heart is often seen on an echocardiogram. An abdominal aneurysm is usually measured with an abdominal ultrasound scan, and a CT or MRI scan may be arranged when a detailed picture is needed, for example to plan surveillance or repair.
Management then follows a clear plan:
| Step | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Surveillance | Repeat scans at intervals set by the size of the aneurysm and how fast it is growing |
| Blood pressure control | Treatment to keep blood pressure within the target your cardiologist sets, reducing strain on the aortic wall |
| Stopping smoking | Support through the smoking cessation service, since smoking speeds aneurysm growth |
| Cholesterol and heart risk | Medicines and advice to protect the arteries throughout the body |
| Family screening | Advice on which relatives should have their aorta checked |
When an aneurysm reaches a size or growth rate at which the risk of rupture outweighs the risk of an operation, or when symptoms develop, your cardiologist explains the repair options, which may be open surgery or a stent graft placed from inside the artery. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah arranges referral to a centre that performs aortic repair, and surveillance can continue here afterwards.
Preparing for it
Bring all previous scan reports and, where possible, the images themselves on a disc or through a portal link, since comparing sizes over time is the core of aortic surveillance. Bring your medicine list and details of any relatives with aortic disease or sudden unexplained death.
For an abdominal ultrasound, you may be asked to fast for several hours beforehand, because gas in the bowel can hide the aorta. Wear clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen. If you monitor your blood pressure at home, bring your readings.
Afterwards
After assessment, you leave with a surveillance schedule, a blood pressure target and a plan for any medicines. Most people with a small aneurysm continue their normal daily activities. Ask your cardiologist before very heavy lifting or intense straining exercise, which briefly raises blood pressure sharply. Keep every surveillance appointment, because an aneurysm can grow without any change in how you feel.
Tell any doctor treating you that you have an aortic aneurysm, and let your cardiologist know before starting any new long-term medicine, including some antibiotics.
Call emergency services straight away if you have sudden, severe pain in the chest, back or abdomen, often described as tearing or ripping, particularly if you also feel faint, sweaty or breathless. Do not drive yourself to hospital.
Cost and insurance
Most UAE health insurance plans cover cardiology consultations, echocardiograms, ultrasound surveillance and long-term medicines for aortic disease. CT and MRI scans usually need pre-approval. Aortic repair arranged through referral requires separate approval before the procedure. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you confirm your cover on 06 599 7777.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
What are the risks and limits of aortic aneurysm treatment?
Aortic aneurysm treatment with surveillance and blood pressure control slows growth and identifies the right time for repair, but medicines cannot shrink an aneurysm. CT scans used for surveillance involve radiation, and contrast dye is not suitable for everyone. Aortic repair carries its own risks, which the surgical team explains so they can be weighed against the risk of the aneurysm.
Can an aortic aneurysm be treated without surgery?
Many aortic aneurysms are managed without surgery for years through regular scans, blood pressure control and stopping smoking. Surgery or a stent graft is advised when the aneurysm reaches a size or growth rate at which repair is safer than waiting. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah arranges referral for repair when it is needed.
How often will I need scans for an aortic aneurysm?
Scan frequency for an aortic aneurysm depends on its size and how quickly it is growing, with small aneurysms checked less often and larger ones more often. Your cardiologist sets the interval and brings it forward if the measurement changes or symptoms appear.
Should my family be checked if I have an aortic aneurysm?
Close relatives are often advised to have their aorta checked, because aortic aneurysms and dissection can run in families. This is especially important when the aneurysm appeared at a younger age or is linked with an inherited condition. Your cardiologist advises which relatives should be screened and how.
Can I exercise with an aortic aneurysm?
Most people with an aortic aneurysm are encouraged to stay active with moderate exercise such as walking, cycling or swimming. Very heavy lifting and exercise that involves straining and holding the breath briefly raise blood pressure sharply, so ask your cardiologist which activities suit your situation.
What does an aortic dissection feel like?
An aortic dissection usually causes sudden, severe pain in the chest, back or abdomen, often described as tearing or ripping, sometimes with fainting, sweating or breathlessness. Aortic dissection is a medical emergency. Call emergency services immediately and do not drive yourself to hospital.
Is aortic aneurysm treatment covered by insurance?
Most UAE insurance plans cover consultations, echocardiograms, ultrasound surveillance and medicines for aortic aneurysm, while CT and MRI scans usually need pre-approval. Aortic repair requires separate approval before the procedure. Confirm your cover with Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah on 06 599 7777.
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