An abdominal aortic aneurysm is defined as an enlargement of the lower part of the aorta, which extends into the abdomen, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The aorta, the main blood vessel of the heart, travels into the abdominal cavity, delivering blood to the rest of the body. The abdominal aorta can become weakened overtime and inflate like a balloon. The Cleveland Clinic describes an aneurysm as a bubble in a garden hose--if it become too large it ruptures, which is extremely dangerous and a life-threatening condition.
Risk Factors
Atherosclerosis puts people at risk for developing aortic abdominal aneurysms. The Cleveland Clinic states that in atherosclerosis the arterial walls thicken from fat and calcium deposits, eventually blocking blood flow through the arteries. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, emphysema, and congenital defects.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are seen most often in males over the age of 60, with male prevalence being four times greater than their female counterparts, according to the Society of Interventional Radiology.
Symptoms
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is often called a “silent killer” because most people do not experience symptoms, according to the Society of Interventional Radiology. However, the larger the aneurysm grows, the more likely people may start developing symptoms, such as prolonged pain in the back, abdomen, or groin, which may be constant or come and go.
When an abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures, people experience sudden, severe abdominal or back pain, in addition to a loss of consciousness or shock, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnosis an abdominal aortic aneurysm the physician will examine the patient’s abdomen. During physical examination the doctor may feel an abdominal mass, stiff or rigid abdomen, or pulsating sensations in the abdomen, according to MedlinePlus. Upon these physical findings the doctor will request an ultrasound of the abdomen or a CT scan of the abdomen.
Individuals with small abdominal aortic aneurysms must have yearly ultrasound tests to ensure the size of the aneurysm is not getting larger. Surgery is required in those with quickly growing aneurysms or with aneurysms larger than 2 inches, according to Medline Plus.
Complications
A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is a dangerous, often fatal condition. People must seek medical attention immediately. MedlinePlus states that less than 40 percent of patients survive from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Another complication, aortic dissection, involves tearing of the innermost lining of the artery, causing blood to leak into the arterial wall. Other complications include arterial embolism, heart attack, hypovolemic shock, kidney failure and stroke.
Prevention
Individuals can help to prevent the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm by eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising, stopping smoking and reducing stress, according to MedlinePlus. People should attend annual doctor visits to monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels. MedlinePlus also recommends men 65 years of age or older with a history of atherosclerosis to have an ultrasound performed every year.
