Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a medical condition that often goes unnoticed due to lack of any serious symptoms, but in reality, it poses a severe threat to your health and life.

It can lead to several severe complications that can even be fatal if left untreated. In this article, we will discuss everything about Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: The Hidden Risk.

What is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

The aorta is the biggest blood vessel in the human body and it carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. AAA is a medical condition where the walls of the aorta balloon out, which can lead to a rupture.

A rupture can cause massive internal bleeding and result in death within minutes.

What are the Symptoms?

Most people do not experience any visible symptoms, which makes Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm a hidden risk. The aneurysm can go unnoticed for years until it becomes severe enough to rupture.

In some cases, people may experience abdominal pain, lower back pain, and a pulsating sensation in the abdomen. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor and have yourself checked.

Who is at Risk?

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm can occur in anyone, but it is more common in people over the age of 65. Men are more likely to develop AAA than women, and people with a family history of aneurysm are at a higher risk.

Individuals who smoke or have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease also have an increased risk of developing AAA.

How is AAA Diagnosed?

AAA can be diagnosed through an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. Although most people do not experience any symptoms, regular checkups and screenings can help detect an aneurysm before it ruptures.

Treatment Options

If an aneurysm is small, your doctor may recommend regular checkups to monitor the growth of the aneurysm. This is called watchful waiting. If the aneurysm becomes larger than 5 centimeters, it may require surgery to prevent rupture.

There are two surgical procedures available to remove the aneurysm: traditional open surgery and endovascular repair. In open surgery, the surgeon opens your abdomen and replaces the damaged section of the aorta with a synthetic tube.

In endovascular repair, the surgeon inserts a graft into the damaged section of the aorta through a small incision in your leg.

The Bottom Line

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm can be a life-threatening condition that often goes unnoticed. Early detection is key to preventing complications and fatalities.

If you are at risk of developing AAA, regular checkups and screenings are important preventive measures.