Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Causes and Warning Signs

Overview

The aorta is the large blood vessel within the body. It transports blood full of oxygen from the heart to the other body parts. It travels through the chest and the abdominal where it finally splits into different blood vessels. In the abdomen, it is known as the abdominal aorta.
An aneurysm is a weak section or point in the artery wall. Pressure from the blood inside the vessels makes the vessels bulge past the normal limit of the blood vessel. This swelling creates a risk of rupturing, which may cause severe bleeding.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is thus an aneurysm happening in the lower part of the aorta. Because of its critical role in the body, a ruptured aneurysm can be life-threatening, explaining the need for early detection and management.

Causes

There is no known exact cause of AAA, but several things can play a significant role in an aneurysm developing in the lower part of the aorta. These include;
• Atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries
• High blood pressure can weaken or damage the walls
• Blood vessel diseases that cause inflammation
• Bacterial or fungal infection in the aorta
• Trauma like that from an accident

Symptoms

Unfortunately, in most abdominal aortic aneurysm cases, symptoms hardly show as they develop slowly and are hard to detect. A considerable number of AAAs start and stay small others never rupture. However, there are get larger over time or quickly. In case you have an AAA, and it is getting bigger, you may notice or experience;

• Deep constant pain in the abdomen area on its side

• Back or leg pain that does not go away
• You have a pulse near the belly button
In case of a ruptured AAA, the symptoms are clear. Should you see any of the following get emergency medical treatment;
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Sweaty and clammy skin
• A fast heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sudden and severe pain in your belly
• Risk Factors
While causes and symptoms may not always be clear, certain conditions increase one’s risk of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The risk factors include;
• Use of tobacco: smoking or chewing tobacco weakens the walls on the aorta and increases the risk of developing an AAA and its rupture. Medical experts recommend a one-time screening for former or current smokers for men ages 65 to 75.
• Age: people aged 65 years and more are at a higher risk of developing AAA.
• Sex: Males are at a higher risk of developing AAA than women
• Race: White people have a higher risk of AAA
• Family history
• Having other aneurysms in other major arteries increases the risk of developing AAA.

Conclusion

If you have any of the symptoms we have listed above, especially if you fall under any of the risk factors, you must get immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent any fatal occurrences and allow you to manage your condition better.

Washington Vascular Specialists is a leading provider of vascular healthcare options, and we are the first outpatient vascular treatment in the Mid-Atlantic region.
We bring expert care close to your home with locations in Takoma Park, Largo, and Frederick in Maryland. Our specialists have decades of experience in treating and managing different vascular conditions, including Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms. Contact Us today and let us get you back to
excellent health.