What is aortic aneurysm? Here are the dangers and risk factors

Aortic aneurysm entered the popular lexicon this 2021 when Christine Dacera, a flight attendant for Philippine Airlines, was found dead in her hotel room on the first day of the year.

The incident went viral after police initially tagged the case as rape with homicide, but according to medico-legal, aortic aneurysm was the cause of death.

What exactly is aortic aneurysm?

According to Mayo Clinic, aortic aneurysm is "an abnormal bulge that occurs in the wall of the major blood vessel (aorta) that carries blood from your heart to your body." When it inflates, it might pop or tear and cause internal bleeding to a patient.

It has two kinds: abdominal or located in the stomach and thoracic or located in the chest. Both are harmful but the most dangerous kind is when it affects the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply the heart muscles.

"Puwede siyang mag cause nang biglaan nang pagkamatay katulad din nang pagputok ng car tire," Dr. Charlie Saquian, a cardiologist, said in an episode of "Pinoy MD."

"Puwede naman na pumutok 'yung car tire nang dahan-dahan na nakatakbo ka pa ng 100 kilometers. Puwede naman na bigla na lang na talagang sumabog and then outrightly disgrasya ka," he said.

Men, obese or overweight patients, and those aged 60 and above are the most likely to have aortic aneurysm. Genetics is also an important factor.

Dr. Saquian said vices such as smoking and drinking are also associational factors that may lead to aortic aneurysm.

"Alam naman natin na sa sigarilyo, be it ito ay hinihithit or nginunguya, ay nagtataglay ng nicotine," he said.

"Iyong intake ng alcohol, puwede siya magpa-shoot up ng blood pressure and then kung may areas or wall na ang aorta na mahina... pwedeng mag-rupture roon and then doon siya mag-incite ng paglolobo," he said.

To reduce the risk of aortic aneurysm, experts recommend a healthy lifestyle which includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. It also helps to have regular checkups.

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News