Vascular diseases are conditions that affect the blood vessels in the body. These conditions can range from mild to severe and can affect any part of the body. One of the most common vascular diseases is abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

In this article, we will discuss what AAA is, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a condition where there is a bulge in the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body. The aorta runs from the heart down to the abdomen. The bulging occurs in the section of the aorta that is located in the abdomen.

AAA is a serious condition as the bulge can eventually rupture, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.

What are the Symptoms of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

AAA often does not cause any symptoms until it becomes very large or ruptures. When symptoms do occur, they can include:.

Deep, constant pain in the abdomen or on the side of the abdomen
Back pain
Pulsing sensation in the abdomen
Swelling in the abdomen
Difficulty breathing
Nausea and vomiting

What Causes Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

The exact cause of AAA is not known. However, there are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing this condition. These include:.

Age: AAA is more common in people over 60 years old
Gender: Men are more likely to develop AAA than women
Tobacco use: Smoking greatly increases the risk of developing AAA
High blood pressure: People with high blood pressure are at greater risk for AAA
Family history: Having a family history of AAA increases the chance of developing the condition
Other factors, such as obesity and atherosclerosis, may also play a role in the development of AAA.

How is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Diagnosed?

AAA is often discovered during a routine physical exam or during screening for another condition. The following tests may be used to diagnose AAA:.

Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of the aorta. It is a painless and non-invasive test that is commonly used to diagnose AAA.
CT scan: This test uses X-rays to create detailed images of the aorta. It is more invasive than an ultrasound but can provide more detailed information.
MRI: This test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the aorta. It is also a non-invasive test but is less commonly used than ultrasound or CT scans.

How is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treated?

The treatment for AAA depends on the size and location of the aneurysm as well as the overall health of the patient. Small aneurysms may not require any treatment but will be closely monitored by a doctor.

In cases where the aneurysm is large or is growing quickly, surgery may be necessary. The following surgical procedures may be used to treat AAA:.

Open repair: This surgical procedure involves making an incision in the abdomen to access the aorta. The aneurysm is removed and a graft is used to replace the damaged section of the aorta.
Endovascular repair: This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a stent graft through a small incision in the groin. The stent graft is then guided to the site of the aneurysm where it is expanded to support the damaged section of the aorta.

Preventing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Preventing AAA involves making lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of developing this condition. These changes include:.

Quitting smoking or other tobacco use
Eating a healthy diet that is low in fat and high in fiber
Maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising regularly
Controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol

The Bottom Line

AAA is a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. It is important to be aware of the risk factors for this condition and to seek medical attention if any symptoms are present.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, AAA can be managed effectively, and the risk of complications can be greatly reduced.