I79: Disorders of arteries, arterioles and capillaries in diseases classified elsewhere
I79.0: Aneurysm of aorta in diseases classified elsewhere
The aorta carries the blood from the heart to the body. The aorta begins at the heart itself. First it runs upwards and then it arches down through the chest to the abdomen. At around the level of the navel, the aorta branches into 2 large blood vessels. These blood vessels first run to the pelvis and then to the legs. The wall of the aorta is made up of several thin layers.
You may not at first notice any enlargement of the aorta.
However, blood may also get between the layers of the aortic wall and build up there. As a result, the inside of the aorta can be constricted as can other blood vessels branching out from the aorta. A narrowing of the points where these vessels branch out can mean that not enough blood reaches the internal organs or legs, for example.
If the aorta is enlarged, there is also a risk of the wall of the aorta rupturing. This means that blood can flow into the chest or abdomen. This can be painful and life-threatening.
Patient Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.