Many things can cause the breakdown of the aortic wall tissues and lead to an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Early Detection and Life-Saving Techniques for Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Arteries' Mere Millimeters a Mainstay Until Aneurysms Raise Risk of Lethal Rupture, PRESERVE-Zenith® Iliac Branch System Clinical Study, Zenith® p-Branch® Endovascular Graft Pivotal Study, Doctors, Clinics & Locations, Conditions & Treatments, View All Information for Patients & Visitors », Male (occurrence in males is four to five times greater than that of females), Family history (first degree relatives such as father or brother), Hyperlipidemia (elevated fats in the blood). In some cases, it may occur as part of an inherited syndrome. Dissections and ruptures are the cause of most deaths from aortic aneurysms. The cause of AAAs is currently unknown. Abnormal enlargement or bulging of the aorta, the largest blood vessel of the body, is not an unusual condition. AAAs that haven’t ruptured are most often diagnosed when a doctor is scanning or examining your abdomen for another reason. What are the symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm? Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future. High blood pressure can damage and weaken the aorta's walls. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is the enlargement of the lower section of the vessel caused due to weakening of its walls due to buildup of atherosclerotic plaques. This is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) when it happens in the part of the aorta that’s in your abdomen. Rupture may result in pain in the abdomen or back, low blood pressure, or loss of consciousness, and often results in death. AAAs are usually classified by their size and the speed at which they’re growing. 3. Having a family history of AAA increases the risk of developing the condition. This produces severe, tearing pain in the chest, back or abdomen. 1 In 2018, about 58% of deaths due to aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection happen among men. Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are blood-filled balloon-like bulges that grow slowly over time. These types of aneurysms also need to be treated if they’re causing symptoms or leaking blood. Atherosclerosis (a build-up of plaque, which is a deposit of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin in the inner lining of an artery) may also be a cause of abdominal aortuc aneurysms. Serious inflammation within the aorta and other arteries can occasionally cause AAAs. 1 Your surgeon may perform an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair if you have one or more of these conditions: A rupture can lead to internal bleeding and other serious complications. Rupture within the Abdominal Veins: In rare cases, abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures within the left renal vein or inferior vena cava, which further results in the fistula of aorta-left renal vein or the aorto-caval respectively. Smoking is a major risk factor. Doctors often consider it safer to monitor these with regular abdominal ultrasounds than to treat them. Surgery has risks, and small aneurysms generally don’t rupture. Access your health information from any device with MyHealth. What are the types of abdominal aortic aneurysms? The exact cause isn't fully known. They include: Smoking can directly damage the walls of your arteries, making them more likely to bulge. Aneurysms can form in any blood vessel in your body. Having an aortic … Several pathologies can cause part of the aortic wall to become weak, leading to the formation of an aneurysm. A dissection of the aorta means that blood has entered the wall of the artery between the inner and middle layers. Men are more likely to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm than women. Abdominal bloating…. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) usually causes no symptoms. Most aneurysms occur in the brain, in the part of the aorta that runs through the chest (thoracic aortic aneurysm), or in the section of aorta in the … For a small AAA that’s less than 5.5 centimeters wide, your doctor may decide to monitor it regularly instead of performing surgery. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is less likely to cause symptoms than a thoracic aortic aneurysm because there is generally more “room” in the abdomen for the aneurysm to grow before it affects other body structures. It can be serious if the aorta…, Combined with the cardiovascular system, the circulatory system helps fight disease, help the body maintain a normal body temperature, and provide the…. 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