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AAA: Demystifying Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms


The aorta is the largest artery in your body, responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood away from your heart to the rest of your organs. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when a weakened area in the lower portion of the aorta (located in your abdomen) bulges or balloons outward. This bulge can be dangerous if it ruptures, causing life-threatening internal bleeding.







What are the Risk Factors?


Anyone can develop an AAA, but certain factors increase your risk.


Age: The risk of AAA increases as you get older, especially for men over 60.

Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of AAA.

Family history: Having a close relative with AAA raises your risk.

High blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can weaken the aortic wall.

Atherosclerosis: A condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, including the aorta.

Certain connective tissue diseases: Conditions like Marfan syndrome can weaken the aorta.


Symptoms to Watch For:


Many people with AAA don't experience any symptoms until it ruptures. However, some may experience:

  • A pulsating feeling in the abdomen near your belly button

  • Abdominal or back pain that may be constant or come and go

  • A feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen

The Importance of Early Diagnosis


Early detection is crucial for successful AAA treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic , if you have any risk factors or experience potential symptoms, talk to your doctor. Diagnosis typically involves an ultrasound or CT scan to check the size and location of the aneurysm.


Treatment Options


Treatment for AAA depends on the size and growth rate of the aneurysm.


Monitoring: If the aneurysm is small and not growing rapidly, your doctor may recommend monitoring it with regular imaging tests.

Surgery: For larger aneurysms or those that are growing quickly, surgery is usually necessary to prevent rupture. There are two main types of surgical repair:

  • Open surgical repair: This involves making a large incision in the abdomen to replace the weakened section of the aorta with a synthetic graft.

  • Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR): This minimally invasive procedure uses a catheter inserted through a groin artery to place a stent graft inside the aorta to reinforce the weakened area.



Living with AAA


If you have an AAA, following a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of complications.


This includes:

  • Quitting smoking

  • Maintaining a healthy weight

  • Eating a heart-healthy diet

  • Exercising regularly

  • Managing other health conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol


Remember, early detection is key to managing AAA effectively. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and the importance of regular checkups.



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