Diseases affecting the body’s major blood vessels can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Among these conditions is abdominal aortic aneurysm, also known as AAA. Delay in addressing AAA may increase the likelihood of life-threatening outcomes. Stay informed on what AAA is, its symptoms, potential complications, and available AAA repair treatments.
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What Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when the wall of the abdominal aorta becomes weakened, leading to a bulge or enlargement in the vessel. The aorta is the body’s main blood vessel, responsible for transporting oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When the vessel’s walls weaken in the abdominal region, the affected area balloons outward, creating an aneurysm.
AAA may develop slowly over time without symptoms. It can remain undetected until it grows large enough to pose risks to health. Smaller aneurysms present fewer complications, but their likelihood of rupture increases as they expand. Without AAA repair, ruptures can lead to severe internal bleeding and other life-threatening complications.
What Are Its Symptoms?
Small or slowly growing aneurysms often do not present noticeable symptoms. Many patients are unaware of their condition until an evaluation for another issue reveals its presence. When symptoms occur, patients may experience the following:
- A deep, persistent pain in the abdomen.
- Back pain that does not go away or fluctuates in intensity.
- A throbbing sensation near the navel or lower abdomen.
These symptoms do not always indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm. It is necessary to consult a healthcare provider for proper assessment when experiencing persistent abdominal or back discomfort.
What Complications Can Arise From This Condition?
The most serious complication of AAA is the risk of rupture. Larger aneurysms are more likely to rupture, leading to massive internal bleeding. This complication is often life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Another possible complication is aortic dissection, or a tear in the aortic lining. This complication occurs when the inner layer of the aorta tears, causing blood to flow between the layers of the vessel wall. Dissections also result in life-threatening situations and require emergency intervention.
How Is AAA Repair Done?
Treating AAA depends on the size and growth rate of the aneurysm. For small, slow-growing aneurysms, a healthcare provider may recommend routine monitoring. Imaging tests may be used to track any changes in size and shape.
Larger, fast-growing, or symptomatic aneurysms typically require surgical intervention. Two common types of surgery are open-abdominal surgery and endovascular repair (EVAR). Open-abdominal surgery involves removing the damaged section of the aorta and replacing it with a synthetic graft. In contrast, EVAR is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter to place a stent graft within the affected portion of the aorta.
Both procedures aim to reduce the risk of rupture. They do this by reinforcing the weakened vessel wall. The choice of treatment depends on the patient’s health, the aneurysm’s size, location, and other factors determined by the medical team.
Act Now to Protect Your Health
Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a condition that may not present early symptoms but can have devastating effects if left unaddressed. Understanding the risks and exploring appropriate treatment options with a healthcare provider is the first step toward effective management. Speak to a vascular specialist to learn more about testing and treatment for AAA. Early action could mean the difference in managing your health effectively
