Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are one of the top 15 causes of death for older adults today. Although it’s frightening to know that this type of aneurysm can be deadly, there’s also good news; the expert team at American Vascular Specialists in Mesa, Arizona, can diagnose and treat your aneurysm before it ruptures and becomes life-threatening. Use the online appointment scheduler at your earliest convenience, or call the office to speak with a team member today.

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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Q & A

What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlargement causing a bulge in your aorta, the large blood vessel primarily responsible for supplying blood to your body. The bulge weakens your artery wall, which means that portion of your aorta is at risk for rupture. An abdominal aortic aneurysm could lead to potentially fatal bleeding.

What are the symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Abdominal aortic aneurysms don’t necessarily cause symptoms. Often, they develop slowly, but if you have a growing abdominal aortic aneurysm, you could suffer from: 

  • Persistent deep abdominal pain
  • Back pain
  • Throbbing around your navel

If you suffer an abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture, your symptoms are immediate and severe. You’ll typically experience major pain in the middle or side of your belly, and the pain could move down to the scrotal area in men. Along with the pain, you could experience:

  • Cold sweats
  • Dizziness
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Fainting

If you suspect an abdominal aortic aneurysm, reach out to American Vascular Specialists for help right away.

How is an abdominal aortic aneurysm treated?

Treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysm can vary considerably based on the current size of the aneurysm, whether it’s causing symptoms, and whether it’s growing larger. 

For small, asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms, your American Vascular Specialists might recommend monitoring. With monitoring, you’ll see your vascular specialist regularly for abdominal ultrasounds to check for changes. 

For larger or rapidly growing abdominal aortic aneurysms, you need aneurysm repair. The American Vascular Specialists doctors specialize in both traditional open surgery and minimally invasive endovascular repairs. The team uses the most advanced techniques and procedures to ensure successful aneurysm repair. 

Can I prevent an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Yes, in many cases, you can prevent an abdominal aortic aneurysm by avoiding:

  • Smoking
  • A diet that’s high in fat
  • A sedentary lifestyle
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity

All of these things can weaken your blood vessels, which means many of these factors can put you at high risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm and other types of aneurysms. Fortunately, these factors are manageable. Your American Vascular Specialists team can guide you in making the changes to stay healthy and avoid aneurysms in the future. 

If you need help diagnosing, treating, and preventing abdominal aortic aneurysms, use online booking or call American Vascular Specialists to make an appointment now.