Description

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlarged area in the lower part of the body's main artery, called the aorta. The aorta runs from your heart through the center of the chest and the belly of the area, called the abdomen.

An aneurysm of the abdominal aorta ruptures, it can cause life-threatening bleeding.

The treatment will depend on the size of the aneurysm and how fast it is growing. The treatment may include regular medical checkups and tests image for an emergency surgery.

Symptoms

Abdominal aortic aneurysms often grow slowly. You might not notice any symptoms. This makes them hard to find. Many start small and stay small. Others are larger with time, sometimes quickly. Some aneurysms will never rupture.

If you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm that is growing larger, the symptoms may include:

  • Deep, constant pain in the belly area, or to one side of the belly.
  • Back pain.
  • A throbbing or pulsating feeling near the navel.

When to see a doctor

If you have pain, especially if the pain is sudden and very bad, get medical help right away.

Causes

An aneurysm can grow in any part of the aorta. Most aortic aneurysms occur in the part of the aorta that is in the belly area, called the abdomen.

Things that can cause an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta are:

  • The hardening of the arteries, called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when fat and other substances build up in the walls of the arteries.
  • The high blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage and weaken the aortic wall.
  • Diseases of the blood vessels. These diseases cause the blood vessels to become swollen and irritated.
  • The infection in the aorta. Rarely, the germs can infect the aorta and cause of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta.
  • The Trauma. For example, being injured in a car accident can cause an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta.

Risk factors

Abdominal aortic aneurysm risk factors include:

  • The consumption of tobacco. Smoking is the strongest risk factor for aneurysms of the aorta. Smoking weakens the walls of the blood vessels, including the aorta. This increases the risk of aortic aneurysm and rupture of the aneurysm. The longer and more consumption of tobacco, the greater the likelihood of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Men ages 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked should have a time of ultrasound to detect an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta.
  • Age. Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur most often in people 65 years of age and older.
  • Sex. Men get abdominal aortic aneurysms more often than women.
  • Be white. People that are white in color, are at greater risk of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
  • The history of the family. Having a family history of aneurysms of the abdominal aorta increases the risk of having the disease.
  • Another of the aneurysms. Have an aneurysm in the aorta in the chest (thoracic aortic aneurysm), or in another of the large blood vessels, such as the artery behind the knee, you may increase the risk of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta.

If you are at risk of an aneurysm of the aorta, may be given medications to lower blood pressure and relieve stress on a weakened arteries.

Complications

The potential complications of aneurysms of the abdominal aorta are:

  • Tears in one or more of the layers of the wall of the aorta, called an aortic dissection.
  • The rupture of the aneurysm.

A rupture can cause a life-threatening bleeding in the inside of the body. In general, the larger the aneurysm, and the faster it grows, the greater the risk of rupture.

Symptoms of an aneurysm of the aorta has been broken may include:

  • Sudden, very bad, and long-lasting back pain or abdominal, that it can feel like ripping or tearing.
  • The low blood pressure.
  • Rapid pulse.

Aneurysms of the aorta also increase the risk of developing blood clots in the area. If a blood clot breaks off, it can block a blood vessel in other parts of the body. The symptoms of obstruction of the blood vessel may include pain or decreased blood flow to the legs, the toes, the kidneys, or the belly area.

Prevention

To avoid an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta or to maintain a worsening, follow these steps:

  • Do not smoke or use tobacco products. If you smoke or chew tobacco, quit smoking. Also avoid second-hand smoke. If you need help to stop smoking, talk with your health care team about the strategies that can help.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Choose from a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy products. Avoid saturated and trans fats, and limit the salt.
  • Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control. Take medications as directed.
  • Exercise regularly and stay active. Try to do at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity. If you haven't been active, start slowly, and increase the security. Talk with your health care team about what types of activities are right for you.

Diagnosis

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are often found when a physical exam or imaging tests done for another reason.

To diagnose an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta, a health care professional examines and ask you questions about your medical and family history.

Tests

The tests used to diagnose an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta are:

  • Abdominal Ultrasound. This is the most common test used to diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysms. Sound waves create images that show how blood flows through the structures in the area of the abdomen, including the aorta.
  • Abdominal CT scan. This test uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the structures inside the belly area. You can create clear images of the aorta. This test also shows the size and shape of an aneurysm.
  • Abdominal MRI. This imaging test uses a magnetic field and radio waves to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the belly area.

For some CT and mri, a liquid called contrast dye may be given through a vein. The contrast makes the blood vessels show up more clearly in the images.

Detection of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Being a man, and the habit of smoking significantly increases the risk of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. Recommendations for screening vary, but in general:

  • Men ages 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked cigarettes must have a detection time by abdominal ultrasound.
  • For men ages 65 to 75 years who have never smoked, the necessity of an abdominal ultrasound is based on other risk factors such as family history of aneurysm.

Women who have never smoked usually do not need to be screened for abdominal aortic aneurysm. There is not enough evidence to say if women ages 65 to 75 years with a history of smoking or a family history of aneurysm of the abdominal aorta for the benefit of the detection. Ask your health care professional if the screening test is right for you.

Treatment

The goal of abdominal aortic aneurysm treatment is to prevent the aneurysm from bursting. Treatment may include:

  • Frequent health checkups and image, called the medical surveillance or watchful waiting.
  • Surgery.

What is the treatment you have depends on the size of the abdominal aortic aneurysm and how fast it is growing.

Frequent health checkups

If the aneurysm of the abdominal aorta is small and not causing symptoms, you may only need frequent health check-ups and imaging tests to see if the aneurysm is growing.

Normally, a person with a small symptom of abdominal aortic aneurysm needs an ultrasound scan in less than six months after the diagnosis. Abdominal ultrasound should also be done in regular follow-up appointments.

During regular check-ups, a health professional will also check the terms and conditions, such as high blood pressure, which could cause an aneurysm worse.

Surgery and other procedures

The surgery to repair an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta is usually recommended if the aneurysm is 1.9 to 2.2 inches (4.8 5.6 centimeters) or more, or if it is growing quickly.

Repair surgery may also be recommended if you have symptoms such as stomach pain or has a leak, tender or painful aneurysm.

The type of surgery depends on:

  • The size and location of the aneurysm.
  • Of his age.
  • Your health in general.

Aneurysm of the Abdominal aorta treatment options may include:

  • The Endovascular repair.This treatment is most often used for the repair of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. A surgeon places a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into an artery in the groin and guides it to the aorta. A metal mesh tube at the end of the catheter is placed in the site of the aneurysm. The mesh tube, called a stent graft expands. This reinforces the weakened area of the aorta. The graft helps to prevent rupture of the aneurysm. Endovascular surgery is not an option for people with an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. You and your healthcare provider should discuss the best repair option for you. Regular testing of the image is done after this treatment to ensure that the vessel does not have leaks.
  • The open surgery. This is a major surgery. A surgeon removes the damaged part of the aorta and replacing it with a graft, which is sewn into place. The full recovery may take a month or more.

The Endovascular repair. This treatment is most often used for the repair of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. A surgeon places a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into an artery in the groin and guides it to the aorta. A metal mesh tube at the end of the catheter is placed in the site of the aneurysm. The mesh tube, called a stent graft expands. This reinforces the weakened area of the aorta. The graft helps to prevent rupture of the aneurysm.

Endovascular surgery is not an option for people with an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. You and your healthcare provider should discuss the best repair option for you. Regular testing of the image is done after this treatment to ensure that the vessel does not have leaks.

Long-term survival rates are similar for both endovascular and open surgery.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Your health care professional may ask you to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity. These activities can cause large increases in blood pressure, which can cause an aneurysm worse.

The emotional stress can also raise the blood pressure. Try to avoid conflict and situations of stress. If you feel stressed or anxious, let your healthcare provider know. Together, you can come up with the best treatment plan.

Preparing for your appointment

Make an appointment with your health care professional if you are concerned about your risk of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. If you are having severe pain, seek emergency medical help.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do in advance, such as not eating or drinking for a period of time.

Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. Also note when they started.
  • Important personal information, including a family history of heart disease or aneurysms.
  • All medications, vitamins or supplements you take. Include the dose.
  • Questions to ask your health care team.

An aneurysm of the abdominal aorta, questions to ask your health care professional include:

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • What tests do I need?
  • What treatments are available? Which do you think would be the best treatment for me?
  • I need a screening test? If so, how often?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions?
  • Is there any printed information that I have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare provider is likely to ask questions such as:

  • Do your symptoms come and go, or don't always feel them?
  • How bad are the symptoms?
  • Is there something to improve the symptoms?
  • What, in any case, it makes your symptoms worse?
  • Do you smoke or have you ever smoked?
Symptoms and treatment of Abdominal aortic aneurysm