Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a condition in which the wall of the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body, becomes weak and bulges out in the part that passes through the abdomen.
If this bulge grows too large, it can burst (rupture), leading to life-threatening internal bleeding. Detecting and treating it early can save lives.
What is the Abdominal Aorta?
The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It starts from the heart, goes down through the chest, and passes through the abdomen before dividing into smaller arteries that supply blood to the legs.
When a part of the abdominal section of the aorta becomes weak, it may stretch and form a bulge. This bulge is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Over time, the aneurysm can slowly grow. If it becomes too large, there is a high risk that it might rupture, which is a medical emergency.
Causes of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
The exact cause of AAA is not always known, but several factors can weaken the walls of the aorta over time. These include:
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries): Buildup of fatty deposits weakens the blood vessel walls.
- High blood pressure: Puts extra stress on the artery walls.
- Smoking: Greatly increases the risk of aneurysm and its rupture.
- Family history: Genetic factors can make some people more prone to aneurysms.
- Infection or inflammation: Rarely, infections or inflammatory diseases can cause aneurysm formation.
- Ageing: The risk increases after age 60.
Who is at Risk?
Certain groups of people have a higher risk of developing AAA:
- Men over the age of 60.
- Smokers (current or past).
- People with high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
- Those with a family history of aneurysms.
- People with heart or vascular diseases.
Symptoms of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Most abdominal aortic aneurysms develop slowly and often have no symptoms until they become large or rupture.
When Symptoms Do Appear:
- A constant, deep pain in the abdomen.
- Pain in the lower back or side.
- A pulsing feeling near the navel (belly button).
If the Aneurysm Ruptures (Emergency Symptoms):
- Sudden and severe abdominal or back pain.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Fast heartbeat.
- Low blood pressure.
- Pale, clammy skin.
A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency and needs immediate hospital treatment.
How is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Diagnosed?
Because most AAAs do not cause symptoms, they are often found during routine tests or scans done for other reasons.
Common diagnostic tests include:
- Ultrasound Scan:
- The most common and painless test.
- It shows the size and shape of the aneurysm.
- CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: Provides detailed images and helps plan surgery if needed.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Used in some cases to get a clear view of the aorta.
- Physical Examination: Sometimes, the doctor can feel a pulsing mass in the abdomen during a check-up.
Treatment for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Treatment depends on the size of the aneurysm and how fast it is growing.
1. Small Aneurysm (Less than 4 cm):
- Usually, doctors recommend regular monitoring with ultrasound every 6 to 12 months.
- Lifestyle changes are advised to slow growth, such as quitting smoking and controlling blood pressure.
2. Medium Aneurysm (4–5.4 cm):
- Regular monitoring continues.
- Surgery may be considered if the aneurysm is growing quickly.
3. Large Aneurysm (5.5 cm or more):
- Surgery is usually recommended because the risk of rupture becomes high.
Types of Surgery
a. Open Repair Surgery
- The damaged part of the aorta is replaced with a synthetic graft (tube).
- Done through a large cut in the abdomen.
- Requires a longer hospital stay but is very effective.
b. Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)
- A less invasive method.
- A thin tube (catheter) is inserted through the leg artery to place a stent graft inside the aneurysm.
- Helps strengthen the aorta and prevent rupture.
- Shorter recovery time compared to open surgery.
Complications of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
If untreated, AAA can lead to serious health problems, including:
- Rupture: Causes internal bleeding and can be fatal.
- Blood clots: May form inside the aneurysm and block blood flow to the legs or other organs.
- Kidney problems: Due to reduced blood supply.
- Infection: Rare, but possible after surgery.
Prevention of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
While not all aneurysms can be prevented, you can lower your risk by keeping your blood vessels healthy.
Here are some steps:
- Quit smoking – the most important preventive step.
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Eat a balanced diet low in saturated fats.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Get screened if you are over 60, especially if you have risk factors.
Living with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
If you have a small aneurysm, regular follow-up and lifestyle changes are key.
- Keep all medical appointments.
- Take prescribed medicines for blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor immediately.
People who have had surgery can usually return to normal activities after recovery but should continue to have check-ups to monitor the graft or stent.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor immediately if you:
- Feel sudden, sharp pain in your abdomen or back.
- Notice a throbbing feeling near your belly button.
- Have dizziness, fainting, or rapid heartbeat.
These could be signs of a ruptured aneurysm, which requires emergency treatment.
Conclusion
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulging and weakening of the main blood vessel in the abdomen. It develops slowly and may not show symptoms until it becomes serious.
Early detection through ultrasound and regular monitoring can prevent dangerous complications.
If the aneurysm grows large, surgery can repair it. Quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are the best ways to prevent or slow its growth.
FAQs
Q1. Can an abdominal aortic aneurysm go away on its own?
No. Once formed, it cannot go away. However, small aneurysms can remain stable for years with regular monitoring and healthy habits.
Q2. What is the biggest risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
The main risk is rupture, which can cause severe internal bleeding and may be fatal if not treated immediately.
Q3. How often should a small aneurysm be checked?
Usually every 6 to 12 months with an ultrasound, depending on its size.
Q4. Can women get abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Yes, but it is more common in men. However, women who smoke or have high blood pressure are also at risk.
Q5. What lifestyle changes help prevent AAA?
Avoid smoking, control blood pressure, eat a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight.