how dangerous is a 4 cm aortic aneurysm how dangerous is a 4 cm aortic aneurysm

This condition develops when the aortic valve is damaged. Copyright 2023 Healthgrades Marketplace, LLC, Patent US Nos. The cardiologist was not super helpful and told me to find an aortic specialist. In a recent study, Forsythe et al have examined the pathobiologic processes of AAA progression and rupture including neovascularization, necrotic inflammation, microcalcification, and proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix.20 With emerging cellular and molecular imaging techniques, there remains the potential to allow improved prediction of expansion or rupture and better guide elective surgical intervention for AAAs. Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm or Thoracic Aneurysm and Aortic Dissection (TAAD): Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, Home Remedies. Merck Manual Professional Version. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. I would be so thankful if you all can provide some . Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 19. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. God bless you are over it now, what was your experience? Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Privacy Policy|Advertising Policy|Privacy Preferences Center|Do Not Sell My Personal Information. A small 4 cm sized aneurism has very little chance or likelihood for bursting, but larger 5+ inch dia. What Is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, and How Do You Treat It - GoodRx This article may contains scientific references. Instead of looking only at the aortic diameter, some data suggest that aortic aneurysm size relative to body surface area is more important than absolute diameter.17 Davies and colleagues used an aortic size index (ASI) of aortic diameter (cm) divided by body surface area (m2). I have a 5.2 cm aneurysm of the ascending aorta. It grew - JustAnswer Best wishes and try not to worry. 4.3 cm aneurysm - HealingWell 27. The aneurysm has grown quickly (more than 0.5 cm in six months or more than 1 cm in one year). Treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysm may vary depending on your overall health and the size, exact location, growth rate, and type of aneurysm. An aneurysm occurs when a blood vessel stretches or bulges in one place. I am 56 yrs, no other health issues. Before 2003, fewer than 10% of all intact TAAs were repaired using thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). How dangerous is a 4 cm aortic aneurysm? Loscalzo et al. Symptomatic aneurysms and aneurysms associated with a rapid growth rate of > 1 cm per year should also be repaired because of an increased risk for rupture. Methods of treatment include the following. Aneurysms anywhere in the body are dangerous because they can rupture and cause massive internal bleeding. You dint mention how big is your aneurysm at the moment? National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Your doctor inserts a tiny, flexible catheter into an artery in your leg and guides the tube up to your aorta. Coselli JS, Bozinovski J, LeMaire SA. A thoracic aortic aneurysm is also called a thoracic aneurysm. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are These numbers are averages and vary by age and body size. Chances Of Getting Pregnant From Pulling Out. 2016;103:1626-1633. However, a few forms of aneurysms because of unclear reasons remain fixed in their sizes for a specified time and later on, undergo with rapid burst. If thoracic aortic aneurysms are severe enough to cause symptoms, you may experience severe chest or back pain, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, numbness or weakness in one or both arms, and loss of consciousness or low blood pressure. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Treatment options may include: Open. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is when the lower part of the aorta that extends through the abdominal area becomes enlarged. Learn about the different types of aneurysms, the symptoms you should watch out for, how they're diagnosed, and how to prevent and treat aneurysms. Thoracic aortic aneurysm - Wikipedia i was diagnosed with a 4.3, annerysm in dec, 2months ago. The initial surgery itself was interesting and the recovery process is too. Prevalence is 3 times greater in men. The risk of a fatal bleeding event is high if bleeding is not treated promptly. I've ask dr if I should've considered taking beta blockers for preventing it of growing but he said no, I don't need this. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified upmc.com/services/heart-vascular/conditions-treatments/pages/ascending-aortic-arch-aneurysm.aspx, vascular.org/patient-resources/vascular-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20122075, escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-10/Ascending-aortic-aneurysms-pathophysiology-and-indications-for-surgery, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-diagnosis, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. TEVAR has been proven to be a relatively safe procedure with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. The aorta is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When the vessel is significantly widened, it's called an aneurysm. I only found out it's reputation much later. Aortic Aneurysms: The Danger of Dilation - Gregory Koshkarian, MD, FACC I really appreciate your effort, take care. 6 years ago, Dake MD, Miller DC, Semba CP, et al. The aneurysm ha read more Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Learn about Aortic Aneurysm Repair. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 17 users are following. J Vasc Surg. Circulation. Most aneurysms grow slowly. Aortic Diameter 5.5 cm Is Not a Good Predictor of Type A Aortic Lane, PhD, BSc, MBBS, MRCS; Sadie Syed, MD, MBBS, FRCA; Richard Gibbs, MD, MBChB, FRCS; and Colin D. Bicknell, MD, FRCS, left-arrow The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. An aortic aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart through the chest and torso. A healthy aorta is about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters [cm]) wide, or about the diameter of a garden hose. Asked by: Jacey Braun Score: 4.6/5 (22 votes) . Aortic aneurysms at the site of the repair of coarctation of the aorta: a review of 48 patients. Endovascular Stent Grafting or EVAR is a newer form of treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms that can be less invasive than open surgery. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. Only have mri once a year now. Surgery for small abdominal aortic aneurysms that do not - Cochrane Presence of blood clot associated with rapid aortic aneurysm growth Is a 4 cm aortic aneurysm dangerous? - gphowsa.tinosmarble.com Until now, quitting cigarette smoking has proved to be the best and known way to reduce the problem of aneurysm enlargement. The larger the aneurysm the greater the risk. Davies RR, Gallo A, Coady MA, et al. I felt fine before the surgery but my energy level is down, I get tired rather quickly. I understand 5.0 CM + is the time where you should consider surgery. December 10, 2019. However, your doctor may recommend surgical repair of a small aneurysm thats growing more than 0.5 cm per year. Abdominal aortic aneurysm - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic If there is no change I won't need the expense of the appointment. Achneck HE, Rizzo JA, Tranquilli M, Elefteriades JA. The dilatation is continuous and gradual. Fairman RM, Criado FJ, Farber M, et al. Ruptured form of AAA thus forms a surgical emergency that requires medical treatment immediately. Oh, thank you so much lovely you've given me some hope, I've asked cardiologist if the echocardiogram is accurate and if I might need to do some MRI or CT but he said no, this is accurate. Outcome in patients with a large abdominal aortic aneurysm - PubMed Learn how we can help 4.6k views Answered >2 years ago Thank A 50-year-old female asked: particularly those suffering from connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome who might not show any symptoms until their disorder has progressed significantly enough so that it could cause significant injury on its own without intervention; providing warning signs include tall height due in part genetic makeup coupled how easily injured people typically tend grow over, The study found that short-term crude or actual survival rates improved among patients who had surgery to repair a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. An aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel wall. Aortic Aneurysm, 4.4 CM | Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection - Patient I recently had by-pass surgery there. Entry - %607086 - AORTIC ANEURYSM, FAMILIAL THORACIC 1; AAT1 - OMIM Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) account for three fourths of aortic aneurysms and affect 0.5 to 3.2% of the population. What is a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA)? We follow a strict editorial policy and we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding any level of plagiarism. Aortic Aneurysm Size & What It Means for Treatment - Healthgrades Do you feel the same as before surgery? Mayo Clinic Staff. THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. I have to follow up and check if it will grow etc. Endovascular Today (ISSN 1551-1944 print and ISSN 2689-792X online) is a publication dedicated to bringing you comprehensive coverage of all the latest technology, techniques, and developments in the endovascular field. However, regular monitoring must be done to look for leaks through the graft. Preoperative Risk Assessment for Optimal TEVAR Outcomes, By Tristan R. A. Incidence of descending aortic pathology and evaluation of the impact of thoracic endovascular aortic repair: a population-based study in England and Wales from 1999 to 2010. The Thoracic Aortic Disease Service at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital is a busy service that provides comprehensive care for patients with complex cases of the disease. When the aortic wall is weak, the artery may widen. Statins are medications that can help lower your LDL cholesterol. I am in the US.. My surgery was in a veterans hospital. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Gopaldas RR, Huh J, Dao TK, et al. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Submitted by Joann from Denver, Colorado Risk of a sudden rupture These are the main factors that make a rupture more likely: The aneurysm is larger than 5.5 cm in diameter. Ann Thorac Surg. The aorta carries blood from your heart to your abdomen, legs, and pelvis. Once the diameter exceeds 6cm, the risk of rupture or dissection is extremely high. A thoracic aorta greater than 4.5 cm is generally defined as aneurysmal, while a size greater than 6 cm is the distinction for treatment, which can be either endovascular or surgical, with the former reserved for pathology at the descending aorta. How Dangerous Is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery? - Epainassist It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All rights reserved. The likelihood increases by up to 4% every 10 years of life. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use The aneurysm is growing quickly, 0.5 cm or more over 6 to 12 months, regardless of its size. 2012;109:1050-1054. I'm in a lot if stress. Can You Live With an Aortic Aneurysm - Penn Medicine Thanks again. The bicuspid bit is genetic it seems. medium AAA - 4.5cm to 5.4cm across. I'm in a lot if stress. As aneurysms grow larger, the vessel wall gets weaker and may eventually rupture or split (dissect), which can be life threatening. Infection: Sometimes, certain infections can also weaken artery walls, including those in the aortic arch. Forsythe RO, Newby DE, Robson JM. He or she will also consider the location of the aneurysm, any symptoms, your age, and other health conditions to determine the need for any further treatment. Svensson LG, Crawford ES, Hess KR, et al. It will be fine. Open surgical repair of TAAs is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. Natural history of thoracic aortic aneurysms: indications for surgery, and surgical versus nonsurgical risks. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. I had a follow up CT scan and then an MRI. The surgical guidelines of the American Heart Association, 1 Society of Thoracic Surgeons, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, and European Society of Cardiology 2 recommend preemptive repair of ascending aorta aneurysms at a diameter of 5.5 cm and 5.0 cm for patients with connective tissue . In some cases, they also replace the aortic valve with a synthetic valve. My blood pressure is low anyway so not needed. What Size Does An Aortic Aneurysm Burst? - Epainassist The aneurysm forms in the wall of the artery. Expansion rate of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms. And if surgical repair is advised, dont put it off. I am in the UK by the way. They usually cause no symptoms except when ruptured. If the aorta is between four and 4.5 cm, testing should be repeated every six months. It helps though when realize I'm not the only one. 1993;17:357-368. Whereas abdominal aneurysms are characterized by severe intimal atherosclerosis, chronic transmural inflammation, and destructive remodeling of the elastic media, the microscopic findings in TAAs are frequently associated with cystic medial degeneration, reflecting a noninflammatory loss of smooth muscle cells, causing degeneration of elastic fibers within the media of the aortic wall.4 This degenerative process, which can be genetically determined, is typically seen in connective tissue diseases such as Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. You can partner with your doctor in monitoring your aneurysm. However, varying degrees of degeneration can be seen in patients without these disorders, occurring as an idiopathic variant in familial syndromes or as an acquired form. I do see a consultant surgeon as opposed to a cardiologist. Heart. When this happens we have whats called dilated or dissected roots either can be life threatening but if there isnt enough time for them to rupture before someone notices then survival may still be possible with treatment 20. The aortic valve releases blood from the heart into the aorta. Root Dilatation Is More Malignant Than Ascending Aortic Dilation Bristol, Bath, United Kingdom Aortic valve insufficiency (AVI) is also called aortic insufficiency or aortic regurgitation. Diehm N, Dick F, Schaffner T, et al. Dietary Dos and Donts for Migraine Sufferers, Shirshasana (Headstand) Versus Inversion Therapy Using Inversion Table, Understanding Joint Pain and Tips to Get Relief Using Home Remedies, Erectile Dysfunction: Does Opioid Cause ED, Libido: Opioid Induced Female Sexual Dysfunction, Less than diameter of 4cm has a risk of less than 1 among 200 in total, Diameter between 4cm and 4.9cm have risk between 1 in total 200 and 1 in total 20, Diameter between 5cm and 5.9cm have risk between 1 in total 30 and 1 in total 7, Diameter between 6cm and 6.9cm have risk between 1 in total 10 and 2 in total 10, Diameter between 7cm and 7.9cm have risk between 2 in total 10 and 4 in total 10. Conrad MF, Ergul EA, Patel VI, et al. Like you, I was in such shock because I only went for an echo as I had been having some irregular beats. 2005;112:1082-1084. New -- with 4.8 cm. aortic aneurysm - HealingWell have had chest pains, for months,..went to a boston hospital, had a catherization,..& had 2 stents put in, had a heart attack, & 2 100% blocked arteries. The feedback link Was this Article Helpful on this page can be used to report content that is not accurate, up-to-date or questionable in any manner. robhinchliffe@gmail.com Objective: This study was performed for the determination of the expansion rates and outcomes and for recommendations for the surveillance of the 3.0-cm to 3.9-cm abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). 2008;48:546-554. I am 6'2, about 245lbs, early 40s. American Family Physician. Pain in the chest or back. In regard to TAA outcomes, the growth rate of the aneurysm is a relevant parameter for risk assessment and monitoring. PMID: 29268916. A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a weakened area in the body's main artery (aorta) in the chest. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm | AAFP Its still not well understood why some people develop an aortic aneurysm while others dont. Blood close from any AAA rarely may break loose as well as lodge within the arteries of the patients legs resulting in the blockage of blood circulation and severe as well as sudden leg pain. Ann Surg. This will help control your blood pressure as well as your cholesterol levels. how dangerous is a 4 cm aortic aneurysm - gridserver.com It also will decrease the risk of aneurysm complications. In the VALOR trial, the rate of serious morbidity among patients undergoing open surgical repair of the descending aorta was double that of the TEVAR patients (84% vs 41%, respectively). 2005;41:1-9. I had six month tests for a year and then yearly. Get the facts on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options from medication to, A thoracic aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the upper part of the aorta, your bodys largest artery. After the aortic arch, the descending aorta tapers to about 2.5 cm. . The upward part of the arch, which is the section closest to the heart, is called the ascending aorta. N Engl J Med. I had an MRI because I was getting some chest pain (found to be not connected) and through that they found the bicuspid valve. I am a healthy 67 yr old female with a 4.6 cm ascending aortic aneurysm 4.6 cm. Isselbacher EM. Whats the outlook for an ascending aortic aneurysm? Pivotal results of the Medtronic vascular Talent thoracic stent graft system: the VALOR trial. Should You Be Concerned about an Aortic Aneurysm? - Dr. Sinatra's EVAR trial participants. Considering the available trials and registries that have demonstrated the high all-cause mortality in TAA patients, it would appear justified to increase the threshold in high-risk (complex comorbidities) patients or where the procedure is predicted to be technically difficult (ie, off label or outside the instructions for use). Aneurysms can tear or rupture (break open) and cause severe, life-threatening internal bleeding. 2013;46:533-541. In a person with no symptoms, if the AAA is 4.0 to 5.5 cm in diameter, treatment depends on several factors, including: The size of the aneurysm If the aneurysm is expanding If there are symptoms If there are aneurysms in other blood vessels A person's surgical risk I have an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm measuring 2.5 x 2.14 CM proximal, mid aortic measures 4.0 x 3.6 CM , the distal aorta measures 5.0 x 4.7 CM. Went to the ER and they found the BAV with ascending aortic aneurysm measuring 4.7. J Vasc Surg. Ann Thorac Surg. In terms of restrictions on activity, we agree with the 2010 multidisciplinary guidelines for managing patients with thoracic aortic disease [Hiratzka et al. If left untreated, it can be life. With close follow-up, good blood pressure control and a healthy lifestyle, many patients living with aortic . Brain aneurysms are caused by weaknesses in the blood vessel wall that causes the vessel to balloon. Nonetheless I have stopped fussing over it and it hasn't grown anymore. Thoracic aortic aneurysm. 2005;111:816-828. How Catching AAA Early Can Save Your Life - Cleveland Clinic Background: The risk of rupture of large abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) remains uncertain. An aneurysm can grow without you knowing it, so dont take any chances. Aneurysm may takes place in almost every area present in aorta, but abdominal area is the common one. 7 Symptoms Never to Ignore If You Have Heart Failure. Elefteriades showed that patients with aneurysms > 6 cm have a 14.1% annual risk of rupture, dissection, or death, compared with 6.5% for patients with aneurysms between 5 and 6 cm.16. A persons survival chance is unlikely after losing significant amounts blood due only atrioventricular valve mortgage surgery, Aortic root aneurysms are a serious medical condition where the first section of the aorta, which contains the aortic valve and is adjacent to our hearts ventricles (the plural form), becomes enlarged. 2011;124:2661-2669. University of Bristol The thoracic aorta begins where the left ventricle ends at the aortic valve and continues down through the chest. The Society for Vascular Surgery practice guidelines on the care of patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. More importantly, once it has widened, it will continue to do so. The risk of rupturing gradually rises as the aorta grows in size. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm | Johns Hopkins Medicine Recovery After Aortic Aneurysm Repair: What to Expect, An ideal For patients with aneurysms secondary to connective tissue disorders, the recommended threshold for repair is an aneurysm diameter exceeding 50 mm. On average, people living five years after their procedure with this condition in particular can rest assured knowing they will be alive soon though there are some cases where these numbers may not apply, In 1985, the life expectancy for a 25-year old was 27 years. large AAA - 5.5cm or more across. I agree about you being younger but neither of us know how long the aneurysm has been there and might have been there for years, but as you say your has more potential years to grow. At the last echo, the senior technician thought that I probably will never need surgery as the valve seems to be coping fairly well. Survival after open versus endovascular thoracic aortic aneurysm repair in an observational study of the Medicare population. Aortic Aneurysm. Perko MJ, Norgaard M, Herzog TM, et al. An aortic aneurysm occurs when the aorta's wall is torn open. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. Take illicit drugs. This article reviews all you need to, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Any thoracic aortic aneurysm 6 cm or larger requires surgery, but if the patient has Marfan syndrome or familial history of aneurysms, 5-cm aneurysms are considered for surgery. We avoid using tertiary references. A small 4 cm sized aneurism has very little chance or likelihood for bursting, but larger 5+ inch dia. A cerebral aneurysm (also known as a brain aneurysm) is a weak or thin spot on an artery in the brain that balloons or bulges out and fills with blood. A diameter greater than 3.5cm is considered to be an aortic aneurysm. I'm thinking of getting a second opinion soon though. National trends and regional variation of open and endovascular repair of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms in contemporary practice. 2023 Bryn Mawr Communications II, LLC. 1994;331:1729-1734. Ascending aortic aneurysm: Symptoms, causes, and types - Medical News Today Circulation 2010], which recommend "avoidance of strenuous lifting, pushing, or straining" to reduce the risk of aortic dissection. It is intended for informational purposes only. There is little evidence that long-term statin therapy reduces TAA growth or rupture rates. (75.578.8 cm/s vs. 13836.2 cm/s; p<0.01). Talk with your doctor about the different surgery options, along with other treatment measures, to find out whats best for you. Therefore, the surgeon takes into account several factors before deciding to operate on the patient. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Are you ok now? Aortic Root Aneurysm Symptoms and Treatment| UPMC The size cut off for aortic aneurysm is crucial to its treatment. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair With Stent Notes on 4cm ascending aorta aneurysm 53yrs, https://patient.info/forums/discuss/4cm-ascending-aorta-aneurysm-53yrs-533575. Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital malformation of the aorta in which part of the aorta is constricted or narrowed. Aortic aneurysms can occur anywhere in the aorta and may be tube-shaped (fusiform) or round (saccular). Cardiologists know cholesterol is a key factor in reducing risk of heart attack. What is a dangerous size for an aortic aneurysm? Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Stanford Healthcare. The normal abdominal aorta measures approximately 2.0 cm in most people (range 1.4 to 3.0 cm). Other groups have demonstrated similar results. I know this since a week ago and I'm in deep depression, I feel like nothing can be like yesterday any more since I didn't know and I was happy. Thoracic endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) has become one of those procedures doctors rely on when treating patients suffering from descending aneurysms where they discover late stage cancers early thanks again TAVR Experience with 1509 patients undergoing thoracoabdominal aortic operations. Last medically reviewed on August 29, 2017. I had been seen in a large local hospital and asked the consultant why the op could not be done there- she said, tactfully, "it would be in your best interests to go to the Heart Hosp.". Ascending aortic aneurysms are a subtype of thoracic aortic aneurysms or aneurysms that occur in the chest area above the diaphragm. Elefteriades JA. The numbers in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers. Expansion rates and outcomes for the 3.0-cm to the 3.9-cm - PubMed (2017). Aortic aneurysms are small bulging blood vessels in the artery that runs through your neck. 29. They affect only about 1% of men aged 55 to 64. Complications in frail and elderly patients can be the reason for loss of independence, and thus, quality of life should be an important consideration, especially in patients whose aneurysms were not symptomatic before surgery. Intact form of AAA i.e. How Dangerous Is A 4 Cm Aortic Aneurysm | Www.eplifefit.com 4 cm aortic aneurysm | HealthTap Online Doctor I am 50. Hello Sonia, thank you so much for the information, I'll keep this in to my list. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Aortic aneurysms account for 40,000 deaths annually in the United States.12 Maximum aortic diameter is the key parameter used to predict rupture risk and is therefore central in directing clinicians whether to offer surveillance or surgical repair.13 However, despite the increase in patients undergoing operations, natural history data concerning the risk of aneurysm rupture and the evidence base for threshold diameters at which TAA repair becomes beneficial are limited. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? The aortic diameter of more than 3.0 cm [1] . Cardiovascular risk prevention and all-cause mortality in primary care patients with an abdominal aneurysm. Like you, I was terrified when it was found. 7,752,060 and 8,719,052. There are some promising developments, such as molecular imaging and new insights in medical therapy, that may also help in this process when they become available for clinical use. I was diagnosed with the same condition four years ago when I was 64. The archs downward portion, called the descending aorta, is connected to a network of arteries that supplies most of the body with oxygen-rich blood.