WHAT IS ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM?  

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the lower part of the major vessel that supplies blood to the body (aorta). The aorta runs from our heart through the center of our chest and abdomen and  is the largest blood vessel in the body. A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can be life threatening. Based on the size of aneurysm and at pace it's growing, treatment for Aorta varies.

SOME COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM

Abdominal aortic aneurysms often grow slowly  revealing no symptoms, making them quite difficult to detect. Some aneurysms never rupture. But, If you have an enlarging abdominal aortic aneurysm, you may observe: 

• Deep, constant pain in or side of your abdomen 
• Back pain
• Pulsation closer to your belly-button

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS 

A number of factors play a role in developing an aortic aneurysm:

• Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis): when fat and other substances build up on the lining of a blood vessel
• High blood pressure damages and weakens the aorta's walls
• Blood vessel diseases cause blood vessels to become inflamed
• Trauma, too can cause abdominal aortic aneurysms

Risk factors

• Tobacco use. The longer and more you smoke or chew tobacco, the greater the chances of developing an aortic aneurysm

• Age. Aneurysms occur most often in people age 65 and older

• Being male. Men develop abdominal aortic aneurysms much more in comparison to females

• Family history. Having a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms increases your risk of having the condition

• Other aneurysms. Having an aneurysm in another large blood vessel, such as the artery behind the knee or the aorta in the chest, might increase your risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT 

Diagnosis: Abdominal aortic aneurysms are usually found during an examination for another reason or during routine medical tests, such as an ultrasound of the heart or abdomen. Doctors will review your medical and family history and conduct a physical exam. Further, specialised tests, can confirm : 

• Abdominal Ultrasound

• CT Scan

• MRI

Treatment: The goal of treatment — either medical management or surgery — is to prevent your aneurysm from rupturing. The kind of  treatment you shall have depends on the size of the aortic aneurysm and how fast it's growing. You shall require to be kept under constant Medical supervision.

• Surgery is generally recommended if your aneurysm is 1.9 to 2.2 inches (4.8 to 5.6 centimeters) or larger or if growing quickly. It could be : 

• Open abdominal surgery in which full recovery is likely to take over a month. Though Endovascular repair is used more often. Doctors attach a synthetic graft to the end of a thin tube (catheter) that's inserted through an artery in your leg and threaded into your aorta.

• Graft — a woven tube covered by a metal mesh support — is placed at the site of the aneurysm, expanded and fastened in place that reinforces the weakened section of the aorta and  prevents rupture. 

After surgery, you'll need regular imaging tests to ensure that repair isn't leaking.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Complications

Tears in one or more of the layers of the wall of the aorta (aortic dissection) or a ruptured aneurysm are the main complications. Symptoms that your aortic aneurysm has ruptured can include:

• Sudden, intense and persistent abdominal or back pain, which can be described as a tearing sensation

• Low blood pressure

• Fast pulse

Aortic aneurysms also put you at risk of developing blood clots in the area. If a blood clot breaks loose from the inside wall of an aneurysm and blocks a blood vessel elsewhere in your body, it can cause pain or block the blood flow to the legs, toes, kidneys or abdominal organs.

Prevention

To prevent an aortic aneurysm or keep an aortic aneurysm from worsening, you must follow: 

• Quitting smoking or chewing tobacco

• Eating a healthy diet

• Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol under control

• Getting regular exercise

• Your doctor will likely suggest that you avoid heavy lifting, vigorous physical activity 

• Avoid conflict and stressful situations