Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA)

Posted: May 1, 2004

An aortic aneurysm is a weak area in the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. As blood flows through the aorta, the weak area bulges like a balloon and can burst if the balloon gets too big.

The most common site where an aortic aneurysm occurs is below the area where the aorta divides to supply blood to the kidneys and above where it divides to supply blood to the pelvis and legs. An aneurysm in this location is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

The number of people with AAA has increased three-fold over the past 40 years, making it the 13th leading cause of death in the U.S. Aortic aneurysms most frequently occur in white males between the ages of 50 and 60.

Fortunately, when AAA is diagnosed early it can be successfully treated, preventing a rupture of the aneurysm.

Symptoms
Many patients do not experience any symptoms, particularly when the aneurysm is small. If there are symptoms, the most common ones are:

• Intense abdominal pain that may be constant or come and go
• Pain in the lower back that may radiate to the buttocks, groin or legs
• The feeling of a "heartbeat" or pulse in the abdomen
• Fatigue
• Sometimes, the aneurysm can be felt as a soft mass in the abdomen

If an aneurysm expands rapidly, tears open or bursts, or if blood leaks along the wall of the blood vessel, more severe symptoms may develop suddenly.

A ruptured aneurysm is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate emergency care.

Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm may include:

• Severe pain that begins suddenly
• Paleness
• Rapid pulse
• Dry mouth/skin and excessive thirst
• Anxiety
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Excessive sweating or clammy skin
• Shock

The most common cause of an aortic aneurysm is atherosclerosis (often called "hardening of the arteries"). Other risk factors are high blood pressure, smoking and a family history of AAA.

Source: Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology

We Have Answers Do you have medical questions or need help finding a doctor? The experts at Columbia St. Mary's and Advanced Healthcare can help. Click here.