Aortic Aneurysms

An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a bulging and weakened part of the aorta, the large blood vessel that runs from your heart through your chest and abdomen and provides the body with its main supply of blood. Depending on their size, aortic aneurysms may have an increased risk of rupture, which can cause life-threatening bleeding. In fact, 50-80% of patients whose aneurysms rupture die. The most common cause of an aortic aneurysm is hardening of the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis.

Given the life-threatening nature of ruptured aortic aneurysms, early detection is critical. Unfortunately many patients do not exhibit any symptoms, which make early identification of the aneurysm challenging. Physicians must rely on identification or risk factors and proper screening techniques.

AAA is more common in the following populations:

• Males, especially between 65-75 years of age. In fact, 10% of the male population over 65 years of age has an AAA.
• Smokers
• Those with a family history of AAA.
• Patients with high blood pressure
• Those patients with diagnosed atherosclerosis
• Patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

Dr. Iaffaldano, interventional cardiologist and expert at treating aortic aneurysms recommends an ultrasound screening for any patients that fall into the high risk category. This screening may save their life. In many cases, the screening is also covered by Medicare and other major insurance companies.

As previously mentioned, most AAA grow without symptoms, but some people may notice the following:

• Back pain
• Abdominal or chest pain or tenderness
• A pulsing or throbbing sensation near the bellybutton

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the location of the aneurysm. Sometimes doctors prefer to watch and wait and sometimes surgery is the best course of action.

• Watch and wait: Your doctor will monitor your aneurysm with ultrasounds every 6 to 12 months.
• Surgical repair: This surgery involves removing the damaged section of the aorta and replacing it with a synthetic tube that is sewn into place.
• Endovascular stenting is a less invasive option. A stent, covered with graft material, is placed inside the aneurysm sac via a small incision in the groin. Unfortunately, not all patients are candidates for this procedure.

If you fall into one of the risk categories for aortic aneurysms and would like a screening test or if you would like a second opinion regarding a diagnosed aortic aneurysm, please call MetroSouth at 708-489-7925 to schedule an appointment with an interventional cardiologist.

To read more about the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysms in men, click here.