Dr. Mark J. Russo, MD, MS - Heart Surgeon
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(732) 235-7231
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        • Aortic Aneurysm FAQ >
          • Can I still exercise if I have an aortic aneurysm or a chronic aortic dissection?
          • What is an enlarged aorta?
          • What is an aortic aneurysm?
          • What are aortic aneurysms?
          • Is an aortic aneurysm dangerous?
          • Should I be screened for an aortic condition?
          • What are the symptoms of aortic aneurysm?
          • When is surgery recommended for an aortic aneurysm?
          • How do I prevent an aortic dissection and/or further growth of my aneurysm?
          • What is a Bicuspid Aortic Valve
          • If I do not have symptoms, why do I need surgery?
          • I do not need surgery, how frequently do I need see my doctor?
        • Aortic Dissection FAQ >
          • What is an aortic dissection?
          • Is an aortic dissection dangerous?
          • What are the symptoms of an aortic dissection?
          • What are risk factors for aortic disease, including aortic dissection and/or aortic aneurysm
          • How do I prevent an aortic dissection and/or further growth of my aneurysm?
          • Can I still exercise if I have an aortic aneurysm or a chronic aortic dissection?
        • Aortic Stenosis FAQ >
          • What is aortic stenosis?
          • What are the causes of aortic stenosis?
          • How common is aortic valve stenosis?
          • What is the natural history of aortic stenosis
          • Is there medication to treat severe aortic stenosis?
          • What is the treatment for aortic stenosis?
          • What is the treatment for inoperable aortic stenosis?
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Is an aortic aneurysm dangerous?

Aortic aneurysms are the 13th leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for an estimated 15,000-20,000 deaths annually.

Aortic disease is often insidious. Most people with aortic aneurysms experience no symptoms, unless they are extremely large or an aortic dissection occurs. For most people, their aortic condition is discovered incidentally while being tested for other reasons.   

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A number of famous people have died of aortic catastrophes, including:
  • Albert Einstein,
  • Olympic volleyball champion Flo Hyman,
  • Broadway composer of “Rent” Jonathan Larson,
  • diplomat Richard Holbrook, 
  • Lucille Ball,
  • George C. Scott, and
  • actorJohn Ritter

Aortic aneurysms, which result from weakening of the aortic wall, can lead to rupture or dissection (a tear in the aorta).  The risk of these events increases as the size of the aneurysm increases. Rupture of the aorta most frequently results in immediate death.   Aortic dissection is the most common catastrophe of the aorta.  As many as 40% of people with aortic dissections die instantly, and the risk of the death increases 1-3% every hour.  



Appointement - 732-235-7231
​Patients:   We are committed to providing you with an appointment within 5 business days of your call. If you have questions in the meantime, please   Ask Our Experts.

 Physicians:   Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a weeks, to assist in the care of your patients and to facilitate urgent, emergent and elective transfers at the local, regional, national and international levels​
Aortic Aneurysms
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Ask Our Experts
Getting a second opinion can provide peace of mind and confidence that you have been diagnosed appropriately and understand of all your treatment options. 
​Send your non-urgent questions regarding your aortic,  heart, and vascular conditions via email.

Mark J Russo, MD, MS
 Chief, Cardiac Surgery

Director, Structural Heart Disease
Associate Professor of Surgery
​
​Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Expert in Complex Aortic  Disease, Valve Surgery,
​Transcatheter Aortic Valve Repalcement (TAVR) , and Mitraclip
​125 Paterson St
​New Brunswick, NJ 08901
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(c) Mark Russo 2019