Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
The aorta is a large main artery that carries blood from the heart to the body. An aneurysm is a widening or bulging out of the wall of this blood vessel. When this bulging out or ballooning occurs, the aorta expands and becomes weak. This could lead to a rupture or tear in the wall of the aorta causing life threatening blood loss.
Symptoms of an aneurysm
- Usually there are no major symptoms prior to an abrupt rupture of an aneurysm.
- Sometimes, patients will feel back or side pain with the beginning stages of an aneurysm rupture.
- Most aneurysms are found when other tests such as x-rays or CT (computed *link? tomography) scans are taken for other health concerns.
- Sometimes your health provider may notice a pulsation in your abdomen, just above your belly button on a routine exam and suspect an aneurysm.
- A simple, painless test, an ultrasound or CT may be recommended if any of the above symptoms are present or if you are considered at high risk.
Associated risk
- When an aneurysm ruptures abruptly a large amount of blood is lost quickly and this bleeding can be life threatening.
- If the bleeding is detected in the early stages of a rupture, immediate surgery can be life saving.
- If an aneurysm is detected as part of another test, your healthcare provider will carefully monitor the size and may refer you to a surgeon if necessary.
For more information
http://www.vdf.org/diseaseinfo/aaa
http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/Abdominal_Aortic_Aneurysm.html
