What is Abdominal aortic aneurysm?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a ballooning or swelling of the aorta, the big blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the abdomen. AAAs usually grow slowly without symptoms, so they tend to be detected only once they have become large enough or ruptured. The aneurysm tends to continue growing in size, hence increasing the risk of its rupture, which can cause serious internal bleeding that may eventually lead to death.
Common symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm include persistent tummy or back pain and a pulsing sensation in the abdomen. However, many have no symptoms at all. It may only be picked up during routine screenings and tests for other conditions, including an ultrasound or CT scan.
The risk of developing an AAA increases with age, especially after 65, and is more common in men and those with a family history of the condition. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, and cholesterol problems.
In some cases of an AAA diagnosis, doctors may monitor its size regularly. Sometimes, if surgery or endovascular repair is required, it must be done to prevent rupture. Early detection and treatment are critical factors in minimizing the risk of lethal outcomes associated with this condition.
Causes of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when the aorta main artery that carries blood from the heart to the abdomen becomes weakened and bulges. The exact cause of an AAA is often not known, but several factors increase the risk of developing one.
You need to have an AAA if you:
- Are male and aged 65 or older: Men in this age group are at higher risk. Smoke or have smoked in the past: Smoking damages blood vessels, and increases the risk of an aneurysm.
- Have high blood pressure: Elevated blood pressure can cause weakening of the aortic wall over time.
- Have high cholesterol: This can cause atherosclerosis, increasing the risk for aneurysms
- Have a close relative who’s had an AAA: A family history of this condition increases your risk.
- Have coronary or peripheral artery disease (atherosclerosis): This condition means depositing fats in arteries could affect the aorta
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): This is a lung disorder said to increase the aneurysm risk.
- Have a genetic condition like Marfan syndrome: Disorders affecting the connective tissues increase the risk of having an AAA.
In some instances, an AAA can be due to an infection. However, this is very rare. Knowing these risk factors can help you take precautions to prevent or monitor an AAA, especially if you are at a higher risk.
Tests for abdominal aortic aneurysm
The main test to diagnose an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an ultrasound scan of the abdomen. It is a non-invasive procedure where a small device called a transducer is placed on your tummy, which sends sound waves to create images of the inside of the abdomen. These images are then displayed on a monitor for the doctor to view.
The result of the ultrasound will reveal whether an aneurysm exists and, if so, its size. AAAs are classified as follows based on their diameter:
- Small: 3 cm to 4.4 cm or less in diameter
- Medium: 4.5 cm to 5.4 cm in diameter
- Large: 5.5 cm or more in diameter
The size of the aneurysm determines how long will the treatment take place. Smaller aneurysms may only be monitored over time, while larger ones may necessitate more immediate intervention such as surgery or endovascular repair to prevent rupture. Ultrasound results are usually ready after the test, and the doctor will explain these to you. Regular screening is recommended for those at higher risk to detect changes in size over time.
Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm
An ultrasound test is provided to all males at 65 years old as a routine abdominal aortic aneurysm screening. This is because men have a higher risk of AAA, mainly with age. The process is simple and non-invasive that helps detect aneurysms early if symptoms are not present.
During the screening, there is a small device used to place on the abdomen where it creates images of the aorta. If an aneurysm is detected, treatment and monitoring can be done before it becomes dangerous.
In other cases, when males get screened at 65 years of age, women as well as men may undergo other recommendations depending on risk factors of conditions like AAA, smoking or excessive pressure. Otherwise, most female and male patients receive these checkups in exceptional circumstances without becoming an usual component of medical care.
Treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm
The treatment of an AAA depends on the size of the aneurysm and the symptoms you may be having. Small aneurysms might require you to live healthy and avoid smoking, thus controlling its growth. The blood pressure and cholesterol medication is also needed to lower your risks of developing an AAA further.
More advanced aneurysms over 5.5 cm or those that are progressing rapidly or causing pain, require surgical intervention to avoid the risk of rupture. Surgical repair is divided into two groups: open surgery and minimally invasive endovascular repair. Surgery has complications and side effects, which the doctor will discuss in greater detail.
Since aneurysms tend to increase in size over time, regular scanning is usually required to assess any changes in size. If an aneurysm ruptures, emergency surgery is often necessary to treat the potentially deadly condition. Regular monitoring and prompt intervention can help in reducing the risk of serious complications.
Ways to lower risk of getting an abdominal aortic aneurysm
Making healthy lifestyle changes is the most effective way to lower your risk of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or prevent an existing one from growing. Several habits can help improve your overall cardiovascular health and reduce the strain on your aorta:
Eat Healthy: A balanced diet plays a critical role in managing your risk. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. These foods can help maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which reduce the risk of aneurysm formation. Avoid processed foods, excessive salt, and unhealthy fats that can damage your arteries and aorta.
Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity is very important for heart health. It helps manage weight, reduces blood pressure, and improves circulation. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to keep your cardiovascular system strong and lower your risk of AAA.
Try to Lose Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the strain on your heart and blood vessels, helping to prevent high blood pressure and cholesterol. If you’re overweight or have obesity, losing even a small amount of weight can have a significant impact on your heart health.
Try to Cut Down on Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure, a major risk factor for AAA. Limiting alcohol intake can help reduce your risk of developing an aneurysm and improve overall health.
By making these changes, you can take proactive steps to protect your cardiovascular system and lower your risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
