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Is Aortic Aneurysm Dangerous? Is Aortic Aneurysm Dangerous? According to CDC, aortic aneurysms killed 9,928 people in the United States in 2017. Aortic aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in the aorta. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It begins at the left ventricle of the heart and travels through the chest and torso and down to the abdomen where it splits off into both legs. If a section of the firm but elastic outer wall of the aorta weakens, the vessel can bulge out at that spot. Such a bulge is called an aneurysm, and since it occurs at aorta, it is known as aortic aneurysm. When an aneurysm happens in the chest, it is called thoracic aortic aneurysm, and when it occurs in the abdomen, it is known as abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is more common. An aneurysm can also occur in between the upper and lower parts of the aorta. This type of aneurysm is called a thoracoabdominal aneurysm. Anyway, aneurysm may occur anywhere in the body. Besides aorta, aneurysm is commonly found in brain (cerebral aneurysm), leg behind the knee (popliteal aneurysm), in the intestine (mesenteric artery aneurysm) and spleen (splenic artery aneurysm). Exact causes of aneurysms are unclear. But certain factors can contribute to the condition. Atherosclerotic disease, high blood pressure, and a family history of aneurysm can all raise the risk, though some aneurysms may be congenital. People with atherosclerotic disease have plaque buildup in their arteries. Plaque can damage the arteries and prevents blood from flowing freely. A significantly higher blood pressure can increase the risk for heart, blood vessel, and circulation problems, and may also cause enlarge or weaken the arteries.
Other risk factors include high cholesterol,
smoking, infection, sudden traumatic injury and ageing. People older than 60 are
at a higher risk, and pregnancy may also increase the risk of having a splenic
artery aneurysm. Data revealed by CDC (the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention) indicated that a history of smoking accounts for about 75 percent of
all abdominal aortic aneurysms. The United States Preventive Services Task Force
recommends that men aged between 65 and 75 who have ever smoked should get an
ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms, even if they have no
symptoms.
Dissection or rupture can happen as a result of aortic aneurysms. The force of blood pumping can split the layers of the artery wall, causing blood to leak in between them. This process is called a dissection. A rupture occurs when the aneurysm bursts completely, causing bleeding inside the body. Dissections and ruptures are the cause of most deaths from aortic aneurysms. Some aortic aneurysms force blood flow away from the organs and tissues, causing problems including heart attacks, kidney damage, stroke, and even death. Most people with aneurysm do not experience any noticeable symptoms. They can actually live for years with the condition undetected and without any other health problems. If an aneurysm expands quickly or ruptures, symptoms may develop suddenly that include pain, clammy skin, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, rapid heart rate, shock and low blood pressure. More severe and even life-threatening symptoms may occur when an aneurysm leaks blood into the wall of the artery and into nearby tissues, and then bursts or blocks blood flow in the arteries. Several screening and diagnostic tools can be used to detect aneurysms. These include computerized tomography (CT) scan, CT angiography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). People who are diagnosed with an unruptured aneurysm should work closely with the doctor to monitor any changes to the aneurysm. The condition may require regular checkups depending on the aneurysm’s size and location. Meanwhile, some aneurysms may need surgery to reinforce the artery wall with a stent.
Controlling high blood pressure; eating healthy
diet containing plenty of fruits, whole grains, and vegetables; having regular
exercise, especially cardio; quitting smoking and managing stress are some ways
to reduce the risks for aneurysms. Date: February 13, 2020
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