What are Abdominal aneurysms?
The body’s circulatory system is one of the most intricate and complex structures in the human body. The system is highly calibrated for efficiency at all times. Nonetheless, this circulatory system may be susceptible to various attacks and vulnerabilities.
An abdominal aneurysm is a severe vascular complication that attacks certain parts of the circulatory system. What exactly is an abdominal aneurysm, what causes the condition, and how best can vascular experts like Washington Vascular Specialists alleviate the condition? Read on for more comprehensive coverage of abdominal aneurysms.
What is an abdominal aneurysm?
An abdominal aneurysm or abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a vascular condition that results in excessive swelling of the aorta. The aorta plays a key role in the transport of blood and other bodily fluids from the heart. The major blood vessel is tasked with moving oxygenated blood from the heart, through the abdomen, and to the rest of the body.
The average size of an abdominal aorta is about 2 centimeters wide. This is about the diameter of a hose pipe. An abdominal aneurysm can lead the blood vessel to swell to more than 6 centimeters. The vascular condition can quickly cascade to serious health complications. This points to the vitality of seeking medical intervention services as soon as the condition is identified or suspected.
Cause and symptoms of AAA
Currently, the exact cause of AAA remains somewhat of a mystery. However, some associative risk factors have been closely linked to vascular conditions. Some of the known risk factors include age and gender, with males more likely to develop AAA.
Other risk factors that could increase your chances of developing an abdominal aneurysm include tobacco use, high cholesterol, and increased blood pressure levels. A family history of the condition also increases your risk of developing it.
The majority of AAA cases have little-to-no notable symptoms. However, as the abdominal aneurysm grows, so does the risk associated with the condition. Sudden pain in your abdomen is usually the first and only symptom associated with vascular complications. A pulsating abdominal feeling and chronic back pain are uncommon but sometimes present signs.
If the aneurysm grows too large, it can rupture. This then leads to internal bleeding and can prove fatal. According to data from CDC, around 80% of cases with a ruptured abdominal aneurysm rarely make it out alive.
Treatment of abdominal aneurysms
Once an aneurysm is discovered in the abdomen, vascular specialists will recommend one of several treatment courses. Surgical procedures are a common treatment option for AAA.
The surgical procedure involves removing the affected section and replacing it with synthetic material. Other curative measures include quitting smoking and tobacco use. Medications for lowering blood pressure and high cholesterol levels may also be used.
AAA management and treatment services
An abdominal aneurysm can quickly develop to unmanageable levels. Fortunately, with timely intervention and guidance from vascular experts, you can reduce the chance of developing the condition.
Washington Vascular Specialists is a leading treatment and management center for abdominal aneurysm cases. Consult with a vascular expert to know more about the condition and how to effectively manage it.
