Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when the aorta, the body’s largest blood vessel, develops a bulge in its lower section.

The aorta extends from the heart through the chest and abdomen, delivering blood throughout the body.

This condition becomes dangerous when the weakened, enlarged area ruptures, which can cause severe internal bleeding. The risk of rupture typically increases with the size of the aneurysm.

Management options vary based on:

• Size of the aneurysm
• Growth rate
• Patient’s overall health

Treatment approaches include:

• Regular monitoring with imaging tests
• Medication management
• Surgical repair (planned or emergency)

Healthcare providers carefully consider these factors when developing treatment plans for patients with this condition.

Signs and Symptoms

People with abdominal aortic aneurysms often don’t feel anything wrong. These blood vessel bulges typically grow slowly without causing noticeable problems.

Some aneurysms stay small and never break, while others grow larger over time.

If you have a growing aneurysm in your abdominal aorta, you might notice:

• Deep, constant pain in your abdomen or side
• Pain in your back
• A noticeable pulse near your belly button

When to Get Medical Help

Don’t wait to seek care if you experience pain in your abdomen or back, especially if the pain comes on suddenly and feels severe.

This could be a sign of a serious problem that needs immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.

What Causes Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Abdominal aortic aneurysms develop when the wall of the aorta weakens in the stomach area. Several factors can damage the aortic wall and lead to this condition.

Atherosclerosis plays a major role in many cases. This happens when fatty deposits build up on blood vessel walls, weakening them over time.

High blood pressure is another key factor that puts extra stress on the aorta’s walls, making them more likely to bulge or tear.

Some people develop aneurysms due to blood vessel diseases that cause inflammation in the arteries. Though rare, infections from certain bacteria or fungi can also damage the aorta and lead to aneurysms.

Physical trauma, such as injuries from car accidents, can sometimes cause immediate damage to the aorta that results in an aneurysm. These traumatic aneurysms develop suddenly rather than forming over many years.

Risk factors that make someone more likely to develop an abdominal aortic aneurysm include:

• Smoking
• Family history
• Being male
• Advanced age (over 65)

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your chance of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm:

• Tobacco Use: Smoking damages blood vessel walls and is the most significant risk factor. The risk increases with longer smoking history. Men aged 65-75 who currently smoke or have smoked should get a one-time ultrasound screening.
• Age: People 65 and older face a higher risk, as blood vessels naturally weaken with age.
• Gender: Men develop these aneurysms much more frequently than women.
• Race: White individuals have a higher likelihood of developing this condition.
• Family History: Having relatives with abdominal aortic aneurysms raises your risk substantially.
• Previous Aneurysms: If you’ve had aneurysms in other large blood vessels (like the chest aorta or the artery behind the knee), your risk increases.

People with these risk factors may benefit from medications to lower blood pressure. These medications help reduce stress on weakened arteries.

Risk factors by importance:

• Smoking (highest risk)
• Age (65+)
• Male gender
• Family history
• White ethnicity
• History of other aneurysms

Possible Complications

Abdominal aortic aneurysms can lead to several serious complications if left untreated.

The wall of the aorta consists of multiple layers. When one or more layers tear, an aortic dissection occurs. This weakens the blood vessel further and increases the risk of more serious problems.

The most dangerous complication is rupture of the aneurysm. When this happens, it causes severe internal bleeding that can be life-threatening.

Larger aneurysms and those that grow quickly have higher rupture risks.

Signs that an aneurysm has ruptured include:

• Sudden, severe pain in the abdomen or back (may feel like tearing)
• Dropping blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat

Blood clots present another serious risk. These clots can form inside the aneurysm and potentially break loose. When a clot travels through the bloodstream, it might block blood vessels elsewhere in the body. This blockage can cause:

• Pain in affected areas
• Reduced blood flow to legs or toes
• Decreased blood supply to kidneys or abdominal organs

Prevention

Taking steps to prevent an abdominal aortic aneurysm or keep it from getting worse is important. Here are key prevention strategies:

• Stop tobacco use completely. Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke is crucial. Ask a healthcare provider for help with quitting if needed.
• Maintain a balanced diet. Avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats, and reduce salt intake. Choose:
  • Various fruits and vegetables
  • Whole-grain foods
  • Lean proteins like chicken and fish
  • Low-fat dairy products
• Control blood pressure and cholesterol. Take any prescribed medications exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly. If you’re just starting, begin slowly and gradually increase your activity level.