ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM

An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a serious medical condition in which there is a bulge or swelling in the wall of the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This bulge can occur in the section of the aorta that passes through the abdomen, which is why it's called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The aorta is a crucial blood vessel that supplies oxygen-rich blood to various organs, including the belly, pelvis, and legs. When an aneurysm forms, it weakens the artery wall and increases the risk of rupture. If the aneurysm ruptures, it can lead to severe internal bleeding (haemorrhage), which is often life-threatening. Symptoms: Back pain, Clammy/sweaty skin, Fast heartbeat, Shortness of breath, Deep or constant pain in the belly area, Pulse near the bellybutton, Dizziness, Nausea & Vomiting, Fainting & Shortness of breath. Causes of abdominal aortic aneurysm

  • Traumatic injuries that cause teras in artery wall

  • Atherosclerosis

  • Peripheral artery diseases

  • Cardiovascular diseases

  • Tobacco use causes loss of structural proteins in the artery wall, leading to reduced wall strength.

  • Vasculitis

How are they diagnosed?

  • Abdominal ultrasound: An ultrasound is a quick, painless test that uses sound waves to create real-time images of the inside of your belly. Your healthcare provider may be able to see an aneurysm on an abdominal ultrasound.

  • Computed tomography angiography (CTA): Your healthcare provider may do a CTA if they see an aneurysm on your ultrasound. You receive an injection of a contrast dye before a CT scan. Angiography helps your provider see the exact location, size and severity of the aneurysm.

    Surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm

Aneurysms that are larger than five centimeters across or that show signs of rupturing need surgery. Depending on the size, location and complexity of your aneurysm, your healthcare provider may recommend:

• Open Surgery: A surgeon makes an incision in your belly to gain access to your abdominal aorta. They sew a graft (tube made of a strong, synthetic material) onto the bulging section of the aorta. The graft reinforces the aneurysm to prevent a rupture. After open surgery, you stay in the hospital between four and 10 days. It can take several months to recover.

• Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR): EVAR is a minimally invasive aneurysm repair surgery. A surgeon makes a small incision in your groin and inserts a catheter (thin, flexible tube) into an artery. With X-ray guidance, they thread the catheter up to the location of the aneurysm. The catheter contains an expandable stent that opens up inside your aorta to reinforce the aneurysm and prevent a rupture. After EVAR, you stay in the hospital for about three days. Recovery is shorter than that of open surgery.

How can I prevent abdominal aortic aneurysms?

• Stopping smoking.

• Exercising and eating a healthy diet.

• Managing your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol.

• Avoiding drinking too much alcohol.