The Hidden Dangers of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

An aneurysm is a localized widening in a blood vessel. This area forms a blood filled bulge that causes the blood vessel to weaken. The bulge will continue to grow and become filled with more blood. In severe cases, the aneurysm will rupture causing more serious health conditions to arise. In fact, it could even lead to death.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an aneurysm in the lower portion of the aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. It runs from the chest, through the diaphragm and ends in the abdomen. The aorta is responsible for the largest amount of blood transported from the heart. When the aneurysm occurs near the abdomen, it is considered an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The lower portion of the aorta is responsible for blood transportation to the lower half of the body. If an aneurysm has occurred, the organs and tissues will not get a sufficient amount of blood and oxygen.

Unfortunately, in most unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm there are no symptoms. There may be a few, but most likely there is none. Fatigue may occur due to the lack of blood and oxygen flow. Also, slight lower back pain may occur. You may also notice a pulsing sensation in the abdomen, similar to a heart beat. If the abdominal aortic aneurysm has ruptured, there will be a few painful symptoms. The most common is extreme abdominal pain. It will be very severe and will radiate to the lower back and down the legs. You may also experience low blood pressure, and in more serious cases, shock due to amount of blood loss.

To treat an abdominal aortic aneurysm you would have to take precautions first. People that smoke are more susceptible to aneurysms, so the first step would be to quit smoking. Also, people that have high blood pressure or high cholesterol are more likely to get aneurysms. If an abdominal aortic aneurysm is forming, taking medicine to control the blood pressure or cholesterol may treat it and help prevent others from forming. If the abdominal aortic aneurysm has ruptured, the only way to treat it is by surgery. Clipping surgery is the most common form. A small metal clip is attached to the end of the aneurysm. This stops the blood flow to the aneurysm and reduces the pressure. Be aneurysm will decrease in size and pressure and eventually will disappear. Since abdominal aortic aneurysm that have ruptured can lead to stroke, coma or even death, it is important to know the symptoms and treatment options to stay in good health.