--- title: What Happens If I Don’t Treat My Aortic Aneurysm? description: Understanding the risks of an untreated aortic aneurysm is crucial. Learn why monitoring and timely intervention are essential for your health. image: https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hubfs/iStock-1486089034(1).jpg --- The Vein Institute of New Jersey is considered one of the top vein centers in the world. 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What Happens If I Don’t Treat My Aortic Aneurysm? 3:23 Oct 22, 2026, 3:20:39 PM Raymond Holmes, MD, FACS ![What Happens If I Don’t Treat My Aortic Aneurysm?](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hubfs/iStock-1486089034(1).jpg) If you’ve been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm but feel fine, you may wonder whether you really need to do anything about it. Can you wait? Will it get worse? What happens if you ignore it? **Not every aortic aneurysm needs immediate repair, but every aneurysm needs a plan for care.** The danger is that it can grow without causing symptoms and potentially lead to a life-threatening emergency. ## What Is an Aortic Aneurysm? The aorta is the main artery carrying blood from your heart to the rest of your body. An aneurysm develops when a weakened section of its wall enlarges or bulges. It can occur in the chest, called a thoracic aortic aneurysm, or in the abdomen, called an [abdominal aortic aneurysm](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/can-i-prevent-getting-an-abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-aaa). Many people have no symptoms. An aneurysm may be discovered during imaging performed for another reason. Feeling well, however, does not tell you whether it is growing or becoming more dangerous. ## What Can Happen If I Ignore It? The most serious concern is **rupture**, when the weakened artery wall bursts and causes severe internal bleeding. A rupture can be fatal, even with emergency treatment. Another possible complication is **aortic dissection**, a tear in the inner lining of the aorta. Blood enters between the layers of the artery wall, which can interfere with blood flow to vital organs or lead to rupture. These complications are not inevitable. But as an aneurysm becomes larger, its risk of rupture generally increases. Missing follow-up appointments or imaging can allow important changes to go undetected. ## Does Monitoring Mean I’m Leaving It Untreated? No. For some smaller aneurysms, regular monitoring is the appropriate approach. Your physician may recommend imaging to track its size, medication to control blood pressure, and steps such as quitting smoking to reduce risk. **Following a monitoring plan is very different from ignoring an aneurysm.** Scheduled imaging helps your physician determine whether it remains stable or whether the plan needs to change. The timing of those tests depends on your aneurysm and individual risk factors. ## What If My Doctor Has Recommended Repair? A recommendation for repair means your physician has identified reasons to consider intervention, such as the aneurysm’s size, growth rate, or symptoms. Your overall health and the risks of treatment also matter. If you are hesitant, talk with your physician about the risks of waiting and why repair is being recommended now. Do not assume that the absence of pain makes postponing care safe. ## Know When to Seek Emergency Help **Call 911 immediately for sudden, severe chest, back, or abdominal pain**, especially with lightheadedness, fainting, or a rapid heartbeat. These can be signs of rupture or another serious aortic emergency. Do not wait for an office appointment or drive yourself to the hospital. ## Take the Next Step Before Symptoms Develop An aortic aneurysm diagnosis does not always mean you need an immediate procedure. It does mean you need to understand your risk and keep up with recommended care. At **The Cardiovascular Care Group**, our vascular surgeons can help you understand your diagnosis and determine the appropriate next steps. If you have been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, or are overdue for follow-up, schedule an appointment to discuss your care. 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