AAA Disease

Abdominal aortic aneurysm, also known as AAA, is the ballooning of the abdominal aorta due to a progressive weakening of the vessel's walls. This vessel is particularly essential since it carries blood flow from the heart to all parts of the body.

Causes

• AAA is mainly caused by the breakdown of the aorta's proteins, elastin and collagen. These proteins are responsible for the strength and flexibility of the aorta.

Risk Factors

• Because collagen and elastin gradually deteriorate with age, older people--particularly those over 60--are at higher risk of developing AAA. Other risk factors include family history of AAA, tobacco use, history of heart disease or peripheral arterial disease, and hypertension.

Symptoms

• Although there are no major symptoms for AAA, patients may feel abdominal, back or side pain. In some cases, patients may feel a coldness, numbness or tingling sensation in their hands and feet.

Diagnosis

• AAA is usually detected by ultrasound or CAT scans. In some cases, it is detected by physical tests conducted for entirely different reasons.

Treatment

• AAAs larger than six centimeters in diameter--about the size of a lemon--require treatment. This is done through surgery in which a dacron or teflon graft is carefully sewn into the diseased area. AAA is very easy to cure, and this type of treatment is safe and effective.