What Is an Abdominal Aneurysm?

An aneurysm occurs when a blood vessel widens or dilates. The aorta, the biggest blood vessel in the body, runs from the heart through the chest to the diaphragm and down to the abdomen. It then splits into two iliac arteries that travel to the legs. The majority of aneurysms occur in the abdominal portion of the aorta.

Frequency

• According to Medicine Net Inc., about 90 percent of abdominal aneurysms occur below the renal arteries, which leave the aorta to head to the kidneys. Many abdominal aneurysms occur in one or both of the iliac arteries, in addition to the aorta.

Warning

• Abdominal aneurysms are risky because they can rupture or burst, which causes internal bleeding. According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, this can cause shock or death.

Embolization

• Abdominal aneurysms can cause embolization, a serious health concern. This occurs when debris or clots form inside the aneurysm and travel through blood vessels to additional organs in your body. You can experience severe pain or the loss of a limb if a blood vessel gets blocked.

Cause

• Hardening of the arteries or arteriosclerosis is the most common cause of an abdominal aneurysm. It weakens the wall of the artery, making it more prone to expansion. It can also be caused by genetic factors or arthritis.

Risk Factors

• High blood pressure and high cholesterol are two risk factors for developing an abdominal aneurysm. Men over the age of 60 are prone to the condition, as well as smokers because the habit increases the risk of developing an aneurysm as well as causing it to rupture.

Treatment

• Doctors may recommend "watchful waiting" to see if the aneurysm changes size. The doctor will check it every 6 to 12 months. A vascular surgeon may want to do an aneurysm repair if the condition is causing symptoms such as pain or a pulsing feeling, or if it's is bigger than 2 inches.