An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is the swelling or ballooning of the abdominal aorta.
The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygen-filled blood from the heart to all parts of the body. In the abdomen, the aorta splits (bifurcates) into the iliac arteries, which carry blood to the legs and other lower areas of the body (see Figure 1).
An aneurysm is a ballooning of the aorta which results from a weakened section in the artery that cannot support the force of blood flow (see Figure 2). Although an aneurysm can occur in any artery of the body, it is most common in the abdominal aorta and the iliac arteries. While the aorta's diameter normally ranges from 3/4-inch to 1-inch, an aneurysm can cause it to grow to several times its normal size. This condition, if not treated, could result in a rupture (bursting) of the aorta. The risk of rupture increases with aneurysm size and high blood pressure. Ruptured aneurysms are frequently fatal and are a leading cause of death in the US.
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Figure 1 The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygen-filled blood from the heart. It is the largest artery in the body, extending from the chest to the abdomen where it then branches into the iliac arteries. |
Figure 2 An aneurysm is the ballooning of the abdominal aorta. The weakened sections of the aortic wall are unable to support the force of blood flow over time. |
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What Causes an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
Over time, the weakening of the aorta due to vascular disease, injury (trauma), or a genetic (hereditary) defect of the tissue within the arterial wall can cause an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Continuous blood pressure against this weakened area can result in the ballooning (enlarging and thinning) of the aortic artery. Risk factors for developing an aneurysm include heredity (family history), smoking, heart disease, high blood pressure, and poor diet. Most doctors will advise simple preventative measures such as keeping your blood pressure under control, quitting smoking, and reducing cholesterol in your diet. These lifestyle changes could also aid in preventing further problems in the future. If you are at risk for developing an aneurysm, your doctor may recommend periodic screening. This is commonly done with a simple physical exam and possibly CT Scan or ultrasound. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure.
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AAA Screenings
Many people do not experience any symptoms of an AAA. Because of this, it is very important to speak with your doctor about your risk of having or developing AAA disease. When symptoms do occur, pain is most commonly experienced. This can occur in the abdomen, back or chest area. Some patients describe the pain as anything from a mild pain to a severe pain or tenderness in the mid or upper abdomen or lower back. Other patients can feel the aneurysm as a pulsating or throbbing mass in their abdomen. Again, many people may not experience any of these symptoms, yet still be found to have an AAA.
Your doctor may discover an AAA during a routine physical exam. Your doctor may feel a bulge or pulsation (throbbing) in your abdomen. Most often, aneurysms are found during a medical test such as a CT Scan (also known as Computed Tomography or CAT Scan) or ultrasound.
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