This is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the rest of the body. The thoracic aorta is the part of the aorta that travels through the chest. A weakening of the wall of the aorta can cause it to widen or swell. The larger the aneurysm, the more pressure it puts on the nearby tissues and the greater the risk of rupture. An artery that ruptures or bursts open is an emergency that often causes death.
Many people have no symptoms.
A thoracic aortic aneurysm may be found accidentally as part of the testing for another problem. The healthcare provider may detect the abnormal eye findings or a change in the position of the windpipe. He or she may also be able to hear a heart murmur during a physical exam if the condition has affected a valve in the heart. In many cases, the cause is not known. Many times nothing can be done to prevent a thoracic aortic aneurysm.