Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge in the wall of your aorta, the largest artery in your body. The bulge can be small or large, but even a small one can rupture and cause serious complications if not treated right away.

AAA Risk Factors

• Smoking. Using tobacco regularly puts you at the highest risk for developing an AAA. Smoking may damage blood vessel walls, which include the aorta, and this increases the risk of a rupture. Length and frequency of tobacco use increases this risk. According to Mayo Clinic, men ages 65 to 75 who are current or former smokers should have a one-time ultrasound to screen for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• Age - People ages 65 and older are more likely to develop an AAA than someone under 65.
• Being male - AAAs are more prevalent in men than women.
• Being Caucasian - People of Caucasian descent are more likely to develop AAAs.
• Family history - Family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms augments your risk.
• Other aneurysms - Aneurysms can exist in the aorta or in the artery behind the knee as well. If you’ve had aneurysms in other areas of the body, you are more likely to be at risk for developing another one and/or an AAA. 

AAA Causes

• Atherosclerosis – this is a condition that hardens the arteries because fat and other substances build up on the lining of a blood vessel.
• High blood pressure - High blood pressure may contribute to weakening of the aorta’s walls.
• Blood vessel diseases - If you have a disease of the blood vessels, it most likely causes inflammation, which can irritate and damage the aorta’s walls.
• Infection in the aorta - While rare, an infection caused by certain bacteria or fungi may lead to an AAA.
• Trauma - If you experience sudden, serious injuries, like those from a car accident, it may contribute to causing an AAA.

AAA Symptoms

If you have a growing abdominal aortic aneurysm, you might notice:

• Deep, constant pain in the belly area or side of the belly.
• Back pain.
• A pulse near the bellybutton.

If you have any signs of serious pain, contact your physician immediately.

Signs of an AAA Rupture

A rupture can be very serious and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. The rule of thumb with AAAs is that size and speed of growth increase the risk of rupture. ]

Symptoms that an AAA has ruptured can include:

• Sudden, intense, and persistent belly or back pain, which may feel like ripping or tearing.
• Low blood pressure.
• Fast pulse.

AAAs may also lead to blood clots. Blood clots can impede other blood vessels if they separate from the inside wall during an AAA.  If a blood clot breaks loose from the inside wall of an aneurysm, it can block a blood vessel elsewhere in the body. Signs of a blocked vessel may include pain or reduced blood flow to the legs, toes, kidneys or belly area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AAAs are a serious condition that requires immediate attention. If you have any of the symptoms listed above or feel discomfort in your abdomen, please see your doctor immediately.

About Advanced Vascular & Vein Associates

Advanced Vascular & Vein Associates in Flowood, Mississippi, is the first outpatient-based laboratory in Central Mississippi. The practice, led by vascular surgeons Dr. Danón Garrido and Dr. Rishi Roy, is proud to provide life-changing, cutting-edge vascular care to a population and region that has not had easy access in the past. Services at Advanced Vascular & Vein Associates include highly effective minimally invasive treatments for peripheral artery disease (PAD), chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), varicose veins, carotid artery disease, arterial occlusion, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT or blood clot). Their diagnostic services are also available onsite for convenience.