An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a weak area in the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The most common location for aortic aneurysms is in the abdomen and involve the portion of the aorta below the kidney (renal) arteries. The aneurysm may extend into the vessels supplying blood to the hips and pelvis (iliac arteries). As blood flows through the aorta, the weak area bulges and slowly grows larger in an analogous fashion to a balloon.
As the aneurysm gets larger the chances of the aneurysm breaking open or rupturing become greater. The normal size of the aorta is between one and two centimeters. Once an AAA reaches 5-5 1/2 cm (about 2 inches) in diameter, it is usually considered necessary to treat the aneurysm in order to prevent rupture. Below 5cm, the risk of the aneurysm rupturing is lower than the risk of conventional surgery in patients with normal surgical risks. If an abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures, the chances of survival are low, with 80 to 90 percent of all ruptured aneurysms resulting in death. These deaths can be avoided if an aneurysm is detected and treated before it ruptures.
Currently, there are recommendations to screen, or check for AAA in males aged 65-70 years of age who have ever smoked. People who have family members with aneurysms and multiple risk factors such as smoking and high blood pressure may also benefit from screening. Ask your doctor if you think you should be tested for AAA. If you have a AAA the size should be checked every year to monitor for aneurysm growth.
For more information about Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, or to schedule an appointment please call (916) 783-8114.
