An aortic aneurysm is a weakened area in a blood vessel. As many of know blood vessels carry the blood throughout our body from our aorta.
We hear periodically of friends, family members, and movie stars having an aneurysm, which can kill you. It can be building like a balloon and then it bursts.
The pelvis and legs are common sites of anureysms. If it is in the abdominal area it is an AAA.
Abnorminal aortic aneurysms account for 5-7 % are people over age 60.
Actually 1 in 250 people over the age of 50 will die from an AAA.
AAA is the 17th leading cause of death in the U.S.; approxiamately 15,000 deaths.
Males are 4 times more likley to have the condition and smoking can play a risk factor, a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, and hardening of the arteries.
It is sometimes called a silent killer. The symptoms can be stomach pain that can come and go, pain radiating in the legs, goin or butt. The feeling of a pulse in your abdomen can be a sign.. You can feel tired or feel like you have a stomache mass.
Severe symptoms may include: severe pain, paleness, rapid pulse, dry mouth, excessive thirst, dry skin, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, lighheadness, fainting, clammy skin, shock, or excessive sweating.
Detection: A doctor can feel your abdomen with a stethoscope. There are tests that can be done as an ultrasound, CT, MR, and arteriography.