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ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM

The world has been suffering from some serious diseases the day it evolved. And unfortunately, still, people living here suffer from some diseases. There’s a disease, not so common, but very painful, named as Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Don’t get distracted by its mysterious name. The Aorta is the largest blood vessel in the human body that carries blood from your heart up to your head and arms, down the abdomen and then to your legs.

Sometimes, the walls of the aorta may get swell or bulge out like a small balloon if they become weak. This process is called Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). The disease may not always cause problems. But a ruptured aneurysm can often be life-threatening. That is why the treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm is very important. The doctor will probably want to monitor you closely even if they don’t intervene right away. 

Types of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

On the basis of sizes and speed of development, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm’s types are classified. These two factors are very important that may also help in finding the health effects of Aneurysm. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm that has a small size of fewer than 5.5 centimeters and has a slow growth rate is the one type of AAA. the doctors often consider it a safe type to monitor these with regular abdominal ultrasounds than to treat them. 

While AAA, whose size is larger and 5.5 centimeters and are fast growing are often life-threatening for the victim.

Symptoms of Abdominal Aortic Syndrome

If the type of disease is the slow-growing one, then it's hard to find out any symptoms. However, if the disease is of the larger type, it may show some serious symptoms. If you have an enlarging abdominal Aortic Aneurysms, you may feel:

• Deep, Constant Pain in your Abdomen or on the Side of Your Abdomen
• Back Pain
• A Pulse Near your Bellybutton

Causes of Abdominal Aortic Syndrome

Currently, the cause of AAA hasn’t been found yet. Yet, there are certain factors that play an important role in the development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. One of the main reason for AAA is High Blood Pressure. It is because the high blood pressure can weaken the walls of your aorta which may result in an aneurysm. Some other common factors are listed below:

• Vascular Inflammation (Vasculitis)
• Smoking
• Blood Vessels Disease
• Infection in the Aorta
• Trauma
• Hardening of the Arteries

People with an age of more than 65 are more likely to get affected. Males are affected more as compared to females. Family history also depends. 

Diagnosis and Treatment of AAA 

(Photo "Contrast-enhanced CT scan demonstrating abdominal aortic aneurysm" by James Heilman, MD is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.)

To diagnose AAA, the blood flow in your legs or may use one of the following tests:

• CT Scan of the Abdomen
• Abdominal Ultrasound
• Chest X-Ray
• Abdominal MRI

If the disease is found, then treatment must be done. The treatment of AAA depends on the size and exact location of the aneurysm. Abdominal surgery or endovascular surgery may be helpful. This helps to remove damaged areas of your Aorta. Take some other useful medications to reduce the effects of symptoms.