Abdominal Aaortic Aneurysm

The Aorta is a large artery that carries blood away from the heart to all parts of our body including the heart.

An aortic aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge anywhere in the aorta. Aortic aneurysms can dissect or rupture: The force of blood pumping can split the layers of the artery wall, allowing blood to leak in between them.

The common causes of aneurysm are high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (fat plaque depositions in the walls of the aorta) and age.

Patients with High Risk of developing Aortic Aneurysm

Above 60 years of age

Smoker

Hypertension

Family history of aneurysm

History of coronary or peripheral arterial disease

Treatment and Diagnosis

As with thoracic aortic aneurysm, your doctor can sometimes diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysm during a routine examination. They may also suggest ultrasound screening, especially if they are 65 to 75 years of age and have ever smoked.

If they find a bulge and it is small, they may want to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't get bigger and then become a problem.

If the aneurysm is large, your vascular surgeon, Dr. Ravikumar, may recommend surgery or a stenting procedure to treat it, depending on its size and location.

Health Tips for patients with high risk of Aortic aneurysm:

Family history of an aortic aneurysm

Stop smoking

A healthy, low-sodium diet

Maintain weight

Regular exercise

Blood pressure and cholesterol control