Abdominal aortic aneurysm: symptoms, causes, drugs, etc.

Definition

What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are protrusions of the main blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the organs and tissues in the lower part of the body, which is called the aorta. These vessels are the largest arteries in the body. Stretching or bulging of the aorta can be dangerous because it can damage areas of the aortic wall so that the aorta ruptures and causes bleeding if not treated promptly.

How common are abdominal aortic aneurysms?

Aortic aneurysm is a common disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), abdominal aortic aneurysms are more common in women than men, especially in people who are over 60 years of age. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Abdominal aortic aneurysms often develop slowly and are usually asymptomatic. However, in some cases, when infected you usually feel pain like a tearing in the stomach or in the back.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

Have any of the symptoms listed above, especially if you are 55 years or older (for men) and 60 years or older (for women).
Or if you have symptoms such as severe stomach pain, rapid drop in blood pressure, dizziness, fainting.

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What are the causes of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Although the exact cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm is not known, there is a combination of factors that can contribute to the cause. Several factors include:

High blood pressure (hypertension)
Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) - this is the main risk factor
Tobacco use. Smoking can cause aneurysms to develop faster and increase the risk of high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries

Some of the other causes are:

Infection of the aorta - this is rare but can cause an aneurysm
Connective tissue disorders (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome)

Risk factors

What increases my risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm?

There are many risk factors for this disease such as:

People aged 50-65 years.
Smoking or drinking alcohol.
Have high blood pressure.
Have atherosclerosis. Accumulation of fat and other substances that can damage blood vessels can increase the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Having a relative infected with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. According to research, 25% of patients have a relative with aortic aneurysm disease.
Statistics show that men tend to have 6 times more abdominal aortic aneurysms than women.

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for abdominal aortic aneurysm?

This health disorder can be treated if it can be diagnosed early. When an aortic aneurysm ruptures, prompt treatment is needed to avoid further complications.

The method of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the risk of the aneurysm rupture.

Treatment depends on the size of the aneurysm and the risk of aortic rupture. If the aneurysm is small (less than 4 cm), treatment may be needed, but you should regularly see your doctor every 6 months or 1 year. A sonogram can be done to monitor if the aneurysm becomes larger.
Aneurysms ranging in size between 4 and 5 cm require various types of treatment. Some doctors may recommend surgery while others may just require further examination. If the aneurysm grows to more than 1 cm per year, surgery may be the best option.
Surgery to repair aneurysms larger than 5 cm is usually recommended. Surgery is often performed by placing a synthetic mesh tube into the aorta.

What are the usual tests for abdominal aortic aneurysms?

Multiple abdominal aortic aneurysms are noticed during periodic health checks. Your doctor may feel a swelling in the middle of your stomach. If this condition is suspected of being an abdominal aortic aneurysm, the doctor will order an ultrasound and a CT scan. Ultrasound can detect nearly 100% of the position and degree of swelling of the aorta, but the doctor will perform a CT scan to check the exact size of the swelling.