Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Overview

Since AAAs don’t usually cause symptoms, healthcare providers often diagnose unruptured AAAs through tests ordered for other health conditions. If your provider suspects you have an AAA due to test results or other reasons, they may perform:

Abdominal duplex ultrasound.
Computed tomography angiogram (CTA).

Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms

Healthcare providers recommend an ultrasound screening for people at risk for an AAA. This imaging test is simple and painless and shows if you have an AAA. If you do, your provider will recommend additional ultrasounds at regular intervals (usually every six to 12 months) to monitor the aneurysm. If it grows too large or you have other risk factors for aneurysm rupture, your provider will recommend surgery.

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Symptoms

Abdominal aortic aneurysms often grow slowly without noticeable symptoms. This makes them difficult to detect. Some aneurysms never rupture. Many start small and stay small. Others grow larger over time, sometimes quickly.

If you have a growing abdominal aortic aneurysm, you might notice:

Deep, constant pain in the belly area or side of the belly.
Back pain.
A pulse near the bellybutton.

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Causes

Risk factors

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

March 07, 2024

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