Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

What is AAA?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a weakness or “ballooned out” area of the aorta, which is the main blood vessel carrying blood from the heart. The normal diameter of the aorta is about an inch or 2.5 cm. When the diameter of the weakened segment grows to twice its normal size it is an aneurysm. This condition, if not treated, can result in a rupture. The risk of rupture is size related, the larger the aneurysm, the more likely it is to burst. Once an aneurysm ruptures, internal bleeding occurs and unless treated immediately, will be fatal. Only 50% of patients with a ruptured aneurysm who get treatment survive; for this reason, aneurysms are considered a serious health condition.

What are risk factors?

• Men over 60 years of age
• Family history of AAA
• High blood pressure
• Emphysema (COPD)
• Smokers
• Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

What are the symptoms of AAA?

Most patients have NO symptoms of an aneurysm, even if it grows to a large size. Those patients who have symptoms prior to rupture, most commonly experience:

• Pain in the abdomen (may be constant or come and go)
• Pain in the lower back (may radiate to buttocks, groin or legs)
• Pulsating or throbbing mass in abdomen
• Presence of a soft mass in the abdomen
• Severe and/or sudden onset of abdominal or back pain (may indicate imminent rupture)

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