Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm In India

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is what?

An abnormal enlargement or protrusion of the abdominal aorta, the primary blood vessel in the belly, is known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This may occur if the aorta’s wall becomes weakened and is unable to withstand the pressure of the blood flowing through it. Internal bleeding that poses a serious risk of death can occur if the aneurysm ruptures or develops too large. Older males are more likely to develop AAA, especially if they smoke, have high blood pressure, or have a history of the condition in their families. Since AAA can be treated with surgery or other procedures, which significantly lowers the risk of problems, it is crucial to identify and monitor it.
The prevalence of AAA varies depending on a number of variables, including age, gender, and way of life. In general, it affects males over 60 more frequently than women, with a frequency of roughly 4-8% in this group. The incidence is lower in women, at about 1% to 2%. According to estimates, 1-2% of adult population members have AAA. (As per a research by the US Preventive Services Task Force from 2019). Abdominal aortic aneurysm: Screening is the final advice.

What kinds of abdominal aortic aneurysms are there?

The many forms of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) can be categorized in a variety of ways.

1. By form

Fusiform AAA: Representing 80–90% of instances, this kind of AAA is the most prevalent. Fusiform AAA is more common in men than in women, and it becomes more common as people get older.
Saccular AAA: This less frequent form of AAA, which accounts for 10% to 20% of cases, is described here. Saccular AAA has a higher risk of rupture than fusiform AAA and tends to occur more frequently in females and younger people.

2. Geographically:

The majority of cases of infrarenal AAA—which account for around 95% of all occurrences—occur here. Infrarenal AAA is more prevalent in men than in women and its incidence rises with age.
Juxtarenal AAA: 2-5% of cases of AAA fall under this category. In comparison to infrarenal AAA, juxtarenal AAA appears to affect women more commonly and is linked to a higher risk of rupture.
Suprarenal AAA: Less than 1% of cases of AAA are of this unusual form. Women are more likely than men to develop suprarenal AAA, which carries a significant risk of rupture and mortality.

3. Size:

Small AAA: An AAA is considered to be under 5.5 cm in diameter. Although small AAAs have a lesser risk of rupture and a tendency to expand slowly, they still need to be monitored.
Large AAA: An AAA is considered to be one that has a diameter of at least 5.5 cm. Large AAAs have a higher risk of rupture and mortality and a propensity to expand more quickly.

4. Based on signs:

Symptomatic AAA: This term describes a AAA that produces symptoms like back discomfort, soreness, or tummy ache. AAAs that are symptomatic usually have a higher rupture risk and need immediate medical attention.
Asymptomatic AAA: An AAA without any symptoms is referred to as this. Asymptomatic AAAs are frequently found by chance during imaging studies that are done for other purposes.

What signs or symptoms indicate a stomach aortic aneurysm?

Especially in the early stages when they are tiny, abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) typically do not present with any symptoms. When symptoms do materialize, though, they can be fairly diverse and may include:

The most typical symptom of AAA is abdominal pain or discomfort, which may be regular or sporadic, dull or acute, or localized in the back, flank, or abdomen. Pressure on the tissues or organs nearby, inflammation, or aneurysm rupture can all cause pain. Resting may help to ease the pain, which could get worse with physical activity, eating, or standing.
Abdominal pulsation: The patient may experience abdominal pulsation or throbbing, especially if they are lying down. The swollen and weaker aortic wall, which pulses with each heartbeat, is the cause of this.
Back pain: The AAA may cause back pain, which may be severe and radiate to the legs, if it is pressing on the spine or the back’s nerves. Patients with thoracoabdominal aneurysms tend to have back discomfort more frequently.
Vomiting and nausea are more frequent in people with thoracoabdominal aneurysms and may occur if the AAA is pressing against the digestive organs.
Low blood pressure: A quickly growing or ruptured AAA is an uncommon condition that can suddenly lower blood pressure, which can be fatal. Symptoms including lightheadedness, dizziness, disorientation, a rapid heartbeat, or shock could result from this.
The symptoms listed above are not exclusive to AAA and can potentially be brought on by other medical illnesses like kidney stones, gastrointestinal issues, or musculoskeletal issues. In order to confirm the diagnosis of AAA, a thorough medical evaluation and diagnostic tests, like an ultrasound or CT scan, are required.

Why do abdominal aortic aneurysms occur?

How may an abdominal aortic aneurysm be avoided?

The risk of having an abdominal aortic aneurysm can be decreased in a number of ways. These consist of:

• Refrain from smoking: Smoking is one of the major risk factors for AAA. Giving up smoking can lower the risk of getting the disease and enhance general cardiovascular health. A study that appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that smoking raises the risk of AAA by almost twofold.
• Maintain a healthy blood pressure level since long-term high blood pressure raises the chance of developing AAA. A major risk factor for AAA, according to the American Heart Association, is excessive blood pressure. This risk can be decreased by controlling blood pressure through alterations in lifestyle, such as eating less salt and exercising frequently.
• Keep a healthy weight: AAA risk is higher in people who are overweight or obese. A study that appeared in the journal Circulation found a link between obesity and a higher risk of AAA. This risk can be decreased by maintaining a healthy weight with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
• Maintain a balanced diet: Consuming a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein will help lower the risk of AAA and enhance cardiovascular health in general. A balanced diet that includes more fruits and vegetables is linked to a lower risk of AAA, per a study that was published in the journal Circulation.
• Control cholesterol levels: AAA can develop as a result of having high amounts of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. This risk can be decreased by controlling cholesterol levels by diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medication.
• The American Heart Association claims that controlling cholesterol levels is crucial to lowering the risk of AAA.
• Regular exercise can assist to lower the chance of having AAA and can also help to enhance cardiovascular health. A study that appeared in the journal Circulation found a link between physical exercise and a lower risk of AAA. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes, most days of the week, at a moderate level.
• Treat underlying medical disorders: AAA is more likely to develop in those who have atherosclerosis and hypertension, among other conditions. Treatment for certain ailments can lessen this risk. A study that appeared in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology suggests that lowering blood pressure is crucial for preventing AAA. Work with your doctor to handle any underlying medical concerns you may have well.
• Understand your ancestry: The likelihood of getting AAA is increased by first-degree family history. Knowing your family’s medical history can help you and your doctor decide if you have a higher chance of developing a problem and identify the best course of action for managing or preventing it. Family history is a substantial risk factor for AAA, according to a study that was published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery. If AAA runs in your family, consult your doctor.

What phases of an abdominal aortic aneurysm are there?

Although abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) don’t usually have distinct stages, they can be divided into several groups based on their size and rate of expansion. The size categories and associated risk levels are listed below:

• Less than 3 cm in diameter, little AAA. Since these aneurysms are often low-risk, just routine monitoring may be necessary for therapy. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force estimates that the prevalence of small AAAs in males aged 65 to 75 is between 4% and 8%, while it is between 1% and 2% in women.
• A medium AAA has a diameter of between 3 and 4.4 cm. These aneurysms are regarded as having a moderate risk, and based on the patient’s age, general health, and other risk factors, they might need more frequent monitoring or treatment. According to a study that was published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery, the prevalence of medium AAAs in males aged 65 to 74 is between 1.3% to 2.2%, whereas it is roughly 0.5% to 1.1% in women.
• A large AAA has a diameter of 4.5 to 5.4 cm. Because of their high risk, these aneurysms may need more severe treatment, such surgery or endovascular correction. According to a study that was published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery, the prevalence of big AAAs is roughly 0.5% to 0.7% in men and 0.2% to 0.3% in women between the ages of 65 and 74.
• Greater than 5.5 cm in diameter is a very huge AAA. Given the elevated likelihood of rupture, these aneurysms are thought to be extremely high-risk and may need prompt treatment. In a study that was published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery, the prevalence of extremely big AAAs was found to be 0.2% to 0.3% in males and 0.1% to 0.2% in women between the ages of 65 and 74.