Your Vascular System --> Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Is Serious Condition

An Aneurysm is a place in the wall of an artery that becomes weakened and then widens to more than 50 percent of its normal size. When the Aneurysm occurs in the abdominal aorta, the condition is known as an abdominal aortic Aneurysm, or AAA, or triple A. It is a potentially life-threatening condition, because the weakened artery wall may rupture or burst, which causes hemorrhaging and possibly death.

The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It is the main vessel for blood pumped from the heart; it travels upward and then down through the chest and abdomen.

There are several types of Aneurysms; the abdominal aortic Aneurysm is the most common form. It most often occurs in the section just below the kidneys, where it is known as an infrarenal Aneurysm.

Aneurysms are identified by their appearance. Most balloon out or bulge on all sides; some may bulge on just one side. Sometimes what appears to be an Aneurysm is actually a pseudoAneurysm, or false Aneurysm. This occurs when blood fills the space between the inner and outer layers of the blood vessel. It can occur as the result of surgery or trauma.

Because the aorta is constantly expanding and contracting as the heart beats, any weakened area is at risk. Doctors monitor Aneurysms for size and growth; at a certain point surgery may be required.