Abdominal aortic aneurysm – what are the signs, symptoms, causes and treatments of an Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Welcome to the first in our series of posts in conjunction with NHS Choices were we look at the signs, symptoms, causes and treatments of a particular medical condition. Today we will focus on abdominal aortic aneurysms.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling (aneurysm) of the aorta – the main blood vessel that leads away from the heart, down through the abdomen to the rest of the body.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

The abdominal aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body and is usually around 2cm wide – roughly the width of a garden hose. However, it can swell to over 5.5cm – what doctors class as a large AAA.Large aneurysms are rare, but can be very serious. If a large aneurysm bursts, it causes huge internal bleeding and is usually fatal.

The bulging occurs when the wall of the aorta weakens. Although what causes this weakness is unclear, smoking and high blood pressure are thought to increase the risk of an aneurysm.

AAAs are most common in men aged over 65. A rupture accounts for more than 1 in 50 of all deaths in this group and a total of 6,000 deaths in England and Wales each year.

This is why many men are invited for a screening test when they turn 65. The test involves a simple ultrasound scan, which takes around 10-15 minutes.

Symptoms of an AAA

In most cases, an AAA causes no noticeable symptoms. However, if it becomes large, some people may develop a pain or a pulsating feeling in their abdomen (tummy) or persistent back pain.

The following video gives an excellent overview of the condition – in particular who AAA is screened and treated.

An AAA doesn’t usually pose a serious threat to health, but there’s a risk that a larger aneurysm could burst (rupture).

A ruptured aneurysm can cause massive internal bleeding, which is usually fatal. Around 8 out of 10 people with a rupture either die before they reach hospital or don’t survive surgery.

The most common symptom of a ruptured aortic aneurysm is sudden and severe pain in the abdomen.

If you suspect that you or someone else has had a ruptured aneurysm, call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.

Causes of an AAA

It’s not known exactly what causes the aortic wall to weaken, although increasing age and being male are known to be the biggest risk factors.

There are other risk factors you can do something about, including smoking and having high blood pressure and cholesterol level.

Having a family history of aortic aneurysms also means that you have an increased risk of developing one yourself.

Diagnosing an AAA

Because AAAs usually cause no symptoms, they tend to be diagnosed either as a result of screening or during a routine examination – for example, if a GP notices a pulsating sensation in your abdomen.

The screening test is an ultrasound scan, which allows the size of your abdominal aorta to be measured on a monitor. This is also how an aneurysm will be diagnosed if your doctor suspects you have one.

Treating an AAA

If a large AAA is detected before it ruptures, most people will be advised to have treatment, to prevent it rupturing.

This is usually done with surgery to replace the weakened section of the blood vessel with a piece of synthetic tubing.

If surgery is not advisable – or if you decide not to have it – there are a number of non-surgical treatments that can reduce the risk of an aneurysm rupturing.

They include medications to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, and quitting smoking.

You will also have the size of your aneurysm checked regularly with ultrasound scanning.

Prevention

The best way to prevent getting an aneurysm – or reduce the risk of an aneurysm growing bigger and possibly rupturing – is to avoid anything that could damage your blood vessels, such as:

smoking
eating a high-fat diet
not exercising regularly
being overweight or obese

Read more about preventing aneurysms.

[Original article on NHS Choices website]

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Patients with an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), who may potentially need life-saving treatment for the condition, have been invited to attend an information event at Glenfield Hospital on Friday, 15 May 2015.

That being said if you feel any this may apply to you please contact your healthcare provider.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is the term used to describe the swelling of the abdominal portion of the aorta. The aorta is a large artery that runs from the heart and supplies blood to the rest of the body. The majority of small aneurysms are not dangerous but if undetected a large aneurysm can be very serious.

Annette Olalobo, Aneurysm Screening Nurse at Leicester’s Hospitals, said: “If an undetected aneurysm expands, the artery becomes weak and may rupture. Most people won’t show any symptoms until the point of rupture, which can often be life-threatening, which shows how vital a simple screening can be.”

Vascular disease, including death from a ruptured AAA, accounts for 40% of UK deaths making it as common as cancer and heart disease. Chances of an AAA are also increased if you smoke, have high blood pressure or there is a family history.

That was the case for 68-year-old Brian Middleton . His father was diagnosed with an AAA, so when he was invited for his routine screening at 65, he had no hesitation in attending.

Brian explains: “During the screening, the team discovered I had an enlarged aorta. They recommended close monitoring so I had an appointment every six months, until last year, they decided it was time to operate.

“The whole team were very supportive from day one and discussed my options for surgery. I had a keyhole procedure last November. I spent four days in hospital, followed by a few weeks of rest but I can honestly say that I felt back to my normal self after about six weeks.”

Brian now visits the vascular team every six months, which will hopefully be reduced to once a year thereafter for monitoring.

He added: “My AAA didn’t cause me any pain or symptoms and without the screening I may not be here today so I have recommended it to all of my friends and family, some of which have already expressed an interest in coming along on Friday.”

Mr Matt Bown, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at Leicester’s Hospitals, explains: “Ultrasound scans are a simple but effective way of reducing AAA related deaths by detecting the disease before complications occur. It also gives us time to discuss management of the condition and treatment options with the patient at an early stage, just like we did with Mr Middleton.”

The AAA patient day programme will give patients who have been identified with an aneurysm, along with their carers’ and families, a chance to find out more about managing the condition, surgery and research into vascular disease.

Further details about AAA Screening can be found at www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/departments-services/aaa-screening/

Patient Talk

Patient Talk

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm – what are the signs, symptoms, causes and treatments of an Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm – what are the signs, symptoms, causes and treatments of an Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Symptoms of an AAA

Causes of an AAA

Diagnosing an AAA

Treating an AAA

Prevention

Abdominal aortic aneurysm – find out if you need to be screened