An abdominal aortic aneurysm is when the large blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs becomes abnormally large or balloons outward. It is most often seen in males over 60 years.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Causes:
Risk factors for developing an aortic aneurysm include:
Smoking
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Male gender
Genetic factors
Obesity
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms:
Aneurysms develop slowly over many years and often have no symptoms.
Pain in the abdomen or back – severe, sudden, persistent or constant.
The pain may radiate to the groin, buttocks or legs.
Clammy skin
Nausea and vomiting
Rapid heart rate
Shock
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Possible complications:
When an abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures, it is a true medical
emergency. Aortic dissection occurs when the innermost lining of the artery tears and blood leaks into the wall of the artery. This most commonly occurs in the aorta within the chest.
Complications include:
Breakage of clots
Heart attack
Shock due to bleeding
Kidney failure
Stroke
When to contact a vascular surgeon
Once a diagnosis is made on ultrasound or CT scan.
Go to an emergency ward if you have severe pain in belly or back.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Prevention:
To reduce the risk of developing aneurysms:
Eat a heart-healthy diet, exercise, stop smoking (if you smoke), and reduce stress.
Your health care provider may give you medicine to help lower your cholesterol
Men over age 65 who have ever smoked should get an ultrasound performed once.
Surgery is usually recommended for patients who have aneurysms bigger than 5cm across and aneurysms that are growing quickly, before complications or symptoms develop.
