Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm ALSO CALLED aortic aneurysm, AAA
When the wall of a blood vessel weakens, a balloon-like dilation called an aneurysm sometimes develops. This happens most often in the abdominal aorta, an essential blood vessel that supplies blood to your legs.
Aneurysms run in families. If a first-degree relative has had an AAA, you are 12 times more likely to develop an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Of patients in treatment to repair an AAA, 15–25% have a first-degree relative with the same type of aneurysm.
Symptoms
MAYBE ABSENT
In most cases, abdominal aortic aneurysms cause no symptoms and are found when you are being evaluated for another medical condition.
SUDDEN, SEVERE ABDOMINAL OR BACK PAIN
If you have a family history of AAA and feel sudden, severe pain in your abdomen or back, seek immediate care. These symptoms may signal that you have developed an AAA, possibly one in the process of rupturing.
PAIN, DISCOLORED SKIN, SORES ON FEET AND TOES
A small percentage of patients with AAA have these symptoms when plaque or blood clots from elsewhere in the body collect in the feet and toes.
Causes
Many factors contribute to AAA formation.
Some type of inflammation that causes a weakening of the wall of the aortic artery.
Men older than 60, smokers, Anyone with a first-generation relative who has developed an AAA is at the highest risk for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Age (50+ for men, 60+ for women) and history of atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, heart or peripheral vascular disease, and tobacco use are all associated with AAA formation.
Other potential factors associated with AAA formation include tears in the arterial wall, infections, and congenital connective tissue disorders.
