Aortic aneurysms are one of the leading causes of sudden death in older adults. They develop silently, but when they rupture they can cause hemorrhagic shock and death within minutes.
The increased rate of aneurysm diagnosis in recent decades reflects the importance of early screening and management. Patients often ask, “How long do I have left?”
Prognosis depends on many factors, from the size of the aneurysm to the ability to treat it. Understanding these factors is key to prolonging life and maintaining quality of life.
Timely diagnosis and treatment of AAA can greatly improve life expectancy and reduce rupture risk.
Factors That Affect Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of people with aortic aneurysms depends on many important medical factors. These variables not only determine the rate of disease progression but also directly affect the risk of serious complications and the ability to survive after diagnosis. Each clinical factor carries its own weight in determining the treatment strategy as well as the frequency of monitoring. Understanding each factor helps doctors and patients build an effective care plan, providing a better chance of long-term and quality life.
Location of the aneurysm
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are often detected through screening, while thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) tend to present later and are more complex.
Size
Aneurysms under 4 cm are usually stable, but when they reach or exceed 5.5 cm, the risk of rupture increases dramatically, requiring surgical intervention.
Growth Rate
An aneurysm growing by more than 0.5 cm per year is a danger sign, reflecting a high risk of rupture in the near future.
Clinical Symptoms
Patients without symptoms have a better prognosis due to early detection and lack of organ damage.
Comorbidities
Hypertension, atherosclerosis, smoking, and cardiovascular disease significantly reduce life expectancy in patients with aneurysms.
Life Expectancy Without Treatment
When an aortic aneurysm is left untreated, the risk of death increases with time and the size of the aneurysm. Silent but continuous damage occurs in the arterial wall, causing the blood vessel structure to gradually weaken and become susceptible to sudden rupture. The prognosis for life depends not only on the size but also on the level of medical supervision and the ability to detect dangerous developments in a timely manner. Subjectivity or lack of close monitoring can lead to serious consequences, often occurring without warning.
Risk of rupture by size
Aneurysms less than 5.5 cm have an annual risk of rupture of approximately 1–5%. When the diameter reaches 6.0 cm or more, the probability of rupture exceeds 20% per year.
Mortality after rupture
More than 80% of patients die if the aneurysm ruptures and is not treated promptly.
The value of monitoring
Small aneurysms need to be monitored periodically by ultrasound or CT to detect an increase in size, thereby intervening at the right time and minimizing the risk of death.
Life Expectancy With Treatment
When an aortic aneurysm is detected early and treated promptly, the prognosis for life improves significantly. Surgical repair not only eliminates the risk of rupture but also helps prolong life and restore quality of life. Modern treatments such as EVAR (endovascular repair) and OSR (open surgery) have proven to be superior in controlling this condition. The choice of method depends on the location of the aneurysm, the anatomy of the blood vessels, and the overall health of the patient.
Effectiveness after EVAR or open surgery
After treatment, the 5-year survival rate is over 70% in suitable patients. EVAR has the advantage of being less invasive and recovering quickly, while OSR provides longer-term durability of the vessel wall.
Age and health affect the outcome
Young patients, in good physical condition, without chronic diseases often recover quickly and maintain stable physiological function after surgery. Conversely, debilitation or multiple underlying diseases increase the risk of postoperative complications and reduce life expectancy.
How to Improve Prognosis
Improving the prognosis for patients with aortic aneurysms depends not only on surgical intervention but also on lifestyle changes and control of risk factors. Every small action in daily health care contributes to slowing the progression of the disease and improving the chances of survival. Medical intervention combined with proactive prevention provides a solid foundation for maintaining a stable state and prolonging life.
Quit smoking
Quitting smoking slows the growth rate of aneurysms and significantly reduces the risk of rupture by improving elasticity and microcirculation in the vessel wall.
Control blood pressure and blood lipids
Maintaining stable blood pressure and controlling cholesterol protects the endothelium, reduces pressure on the arterial wall and slows the process of vasodilation.
Regular imaging monitoring
Regular abdominal ultrasound or CT scan helps detect changes in aneurysm size, thereby making timely and accurate treatment decisions.
Healthy Lifestyle
A low-salt, vegetable-rich diet, regular exercise and weight control maintain cardiovascular function, support long-term recovery and stability.
Emotional and Mental Health Support
Diagnosis of an aortic aneurysm is not only a medical event but also a profound psychological shock for many patients. Anxiety about the risk of rupture, fear of remaining life expectancy, and a sense of loss of control can severely compromise mental health. Emotional and mental health care should be considered an essential part of the comprehensive treatment process, contributing to improving the quality of life and enhancing the patient's cooperation with treatment.
Coping with anxiety and fear
Patients need specific guidance about the actual risks, treatment pathways, and prognosis to dispel feelings of uncertainty, reduce long-term anxiety, and build trust in medicine.
The role of education and community support
Joining a patient support group, talking to people who have undergone treatment, and accessing accurate information sources help build a solid mental foundation.
Communicate regularly with your healthcare team
Active interaction with your doctor and healthcare team allows for personalized care, providing peace of mind and control throughout your treatment journey.
Conclusion
Aortic aneurysm is a serious condition but can be completely controlled if detected early and treated properly. Long-term survival depends not only on medical techniques but also on the patient's initiative in monitoring and taking care of their overall health.
Many people have lived well for many years after diagnosis, thanks to a combination of timely intervention, a healthy lifestyle and strong emotional support.
Maintaining regular check-ups and open discussions with their doctor help patients take control of every decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I live a normal life with an aortic aneurysm? – You can still maintain a normal life if you have regular monitoring, control your risk factors, and follow the treatment instructions from your cardiologist or vascular specialist.
- Do you need surgery immediately after detecting an aneurysm? – Not all cases require surgery. Your doctor will assess the size, growth rate, and risk factors to make appropriate, safe, and optimal treatment decisions.
- How fast does an aortic aneurysm grow? – The average growth rate is about 0.3–0.5 cm per year. Some cases grow faster, especially if the patient smokes, has high blood pressure, or has an underlying medical condition.
- How long will I live if the aneurysm is small? – If the size is below the intervention threshold and is monitored regularly, life expectancy can still be decades with good control of related cardiovascular factors.
- Can an aneurysm rupture without symptoms? – Aneurysms can rupture suddenly even without obvious symptoms. Therefore, regular imaging follow-up is key to preventing dangerous complications.
