A abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a serious medical condition that should not be taken lightly. An AAA is a localized enlargement of the abdominal aorta, the largest artery in the body. It can cause serious and sometimes fatal complications if not treated promptly.
The risk of an AAA rupturing increases with its size; however, even a small AAA can rupture. As such, the severity of an AAA depends on its size. Generally, AAA's that are less than 4 cm in diameter are considered small and are monitored regularly, while those larger than 5 cm are considered large and are generally repaired.
AAA's can be caused by a variety of factors, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, genetic predisposition, and smoking. Risk factors for developing an AAA include being male, being older than 65, and having a family history of AAA.
The main symptom of an AAA is abdominal pain, which can range from mild to severe. Other symptoms can include back pain, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. An AAA can also cause a pulsating sensation in the abdomen.
If an AAA ruptures, it can cause life-threatening internal bleeding, shock, and organ failure. Patients who suffer a rupture require immediate medical attention and, in some cases, surgery. If left untreated, an AAA can be fatal.
In conclusion, an abdominal aortic aneurysm is a serious medical condition that should not be taken lightly. The severity of an AAA depends on its size, and any AAA larger than 5 cm should be treated immediately. Risk factors for an AAA include being male, being older than 65, and having a family history of AAA. If left untreated, an AAA can be fatal.