Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a relatively common, potentially life-threatening condition. An aortic aneurysm involves the aorta, one of the large arteries that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Most AAAs occur in association with advanced atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis may induce AAA formation by causing mechanical weakening of the aortic wall with loss of elastic recoil, along with degenerative ischemic changes, through obstruction of the vasa vasorum. Clots or debris can form inside the aneurysm and travel to blood vessels leading to other organs in your body. Aortic aneurysms can develop anywhere along the length of the aorta. The majority, however, are located along the abdominal aorta. Most (about 90%) of abdominal aneurysms are located below the level of the renal arteries, the vessels that leave the aorta to go to the kidneys. This normal aging process coupled with other risk factors listed below may lead to an aortic aneurysm. Arteries are muscular tubes. The wall of the artery is made up of 3 layers: the innermost layer (the intima), the middle layer (the media), and the outer layer (the adventitia). Aneurysms are more common in older people and in men. AAA is caused by a weakened area in the main vessel that supplies blood from the heart to the rest of the body. About two-thirds of abdominal aneurysms are not limited to just the aorta but extend from the aorta into one or both of the iliac arteries. Aneurysms can develop anywhere along the aorta, but mostly occur in the abdominal section and are aptly called abdominal aortic aneurysms. Aneurysms that occur in the upper part of the aorta are called thoracic aortic aneurysms. Smoking is one of the most significant factors associated with the development of aortic aneurysms. High blood pressure, especially if poorly controlled, increases the risk of developing an aortic aneurysm. Arteries are muscular tubes. The wall of the artery is made up of 3 layers: the innermost layer (the intima), the middle layer (the media), and the outer layer (the adventitia). Bulges in an artery are classified as true aneurysm, false aneurysm, or dissection. Abdominal aortic aneurysm can remain asymptomatic or produce mild to moderate symptoms for years. An aneurysm is defined as a localized dilation of an artery by at least 50% as compared with the expected normal diameter of the vessel. Patients older than 60 years who smoke and who are known to have atherosclerosis, hypertension. Surgical treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms depend on the underlying condition, especially for people with Marfan syndrome, and location of the aneurysm. Placement of an endovascular stent graft in an aortic aneurysm: a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin (upper thigh). Surveillance is indicated in small aneurysms, where the risk of repair exceeds the risk of rupture. Aneurysms at the aortic root (nearer the heart) are prone to rupture at sizes closer to 5 cm and must be treated more aggressively. Stopping smoking is particularly important because smoking increases the risk of aneurysm enlargement. Treatment for Abdominal Aneurysm Tips 1. Surveillance is indicated in small aneurysms, where the risk of repair exceeds the risk of rupture. 2. Exercise, eat well, and avoid tobacco to reduce the risk of developing aneurysms. 3. Keep your blood pressure under control. 4. Stopping smoking is particularly important because smoking increases the risk of aneurysm enlargement. 5. Blood flow in the aorta is stopped by hooking the circulatory system to an outside pump (heart and lung machine).
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