An aortic aneurysm involves the aorta, one of the large arteries that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The abdominal aorta supplies blood to the lower part of the body. Just below the abdomen, the aorta splits into two branches that carry blood into each leg.The aorta, about the thickness of a garden hose, runs through the center of your body. The pressure from blood flowing through your abdominal aorta can cause a weakened part of the aorta to bulge, much like a balloon. However, an AAA can stretch the aorta beyond its safety margin. Although you may never have symptoms, finding out you have an aortic aneurysm can be more than unsettling. A ruptured aneurysm can cause severe internal bleeding, which can lead to shock or even death. If one of these blood vessels becomes blocked, it can cause severe pain or even more serious problems, such as limb loss. Each year, approximately 15,000 people die of an abdominal aortic aneurysm in the United States. Less commonly, aneurysms are larger and faster growing and are at higher risk of rupturing. Depending on the size and rate at which it is growing, treatment for aortic aneurysm may vary from watchful waiting to emergency surgery. Once an aortic aneurysm is identified, doctors will closely monitor it so that surgery can be planned if and when necessary. Emergency surgery for a ruptured aneurysm carries increased risk and less chance of survival.

An aneurysm (AN'u-rizm) is a bulge in a blood vessel, much like a bulge on an over-inflated inner tube. Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are caused by a progressive weakening of the aortic wall that causes a dilation, or “ballooning” of the vessel. The new channel may become so big that it compresses the normal flow of blood depriving organs of blood flow and oxygen.Aortic aneurysms usually occur in the abdomen below the kidneys (abdominal aneurysm), but may occur in the chest cavity (thoracic tho-RAS'ik aneurysm). A few occur in the part of the aorta in the chest that is near the heart, and are called thoracic aortic aneurysms. This can happen if the wall of the aorta becomes weakened by build ups of fatty deposits called plaque. This is called atherosclerosis (ath"er-o-skleh-RO'sis). With this weakness, the wall stretches further and the constant pressure from the pumping blood causes it to slowly expand. Aneurysms may also be due to an inherited disease such as the Marfan syndrome.

Causes of Aortic Aneurysm

The common Causes of Aortic Aneurysm :

The exact cause is unknown,
Emphysema
Smoking
Obesity
Male gender
High blood pressure
Genetic factors
High cholesterol

Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysm

Some Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysm :

Hoarseness
Bowel obstruction
Chest or back pain.
Pain in the jaw, neck, and upper back.
Rapid heart rate when rising to a standing position .
Weight loss
Nausea and vomiting.
Clammy skin .
Coughing up blood
Anxiety.
Difficulty swallowing
Coughing, hoarseness, or difficulty breathing .

Treatment of Aortic Aneurysm

Depending on where the aneurysm is located and how complex it is, stenting may be done. A stent-graft is a polyester tube covered by a tubular metal web. The stent-graft is inserted through a small incision in the upper thigh into the aorta. Using x-ray, it is guided through the aorta to the site of the aneurysm. With the stent-graft in place, blood flows through the stent-graft instead of into the aneurysm, eliminating the chance of rupture.
Seek treatment for high blood pressure, syphilis, and other infections.
Eat a healthful diet, one that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm is called aneurysmectomy . It involves removing the portion of the aorta that contains the aneurysm and replacing it with a mesh graft.
With aneurysms of the thoracic aorta, the aortic valve may also be affected and need to be replaced or repaired. If the aneurysm involves important branches of the aorta, these vessels may either be repaired or bypassed.

Bowel & Stomach Diseases

Appendicitis
Barett's Oesophagus
Coeliac Disease
Crohn's Disease

Heart Problems

Angina
Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Arrhythmias
Atrial Fibrillation

Infectious Diseases

Bacterial Vaginosis
Bird Flu
Boils
Cellulitis
Chicken Pox
Cystitis

Skin Disorders

Acne
Alopecia Areata
Baldness

Women Diseases

Abnormal Periods
Atropic Vaginitis
Breast Cancer
Breast Pain
Cervical Cancer

Liver & Kidney Diseases

Cholecystitis
Cirrhosis
Fatty Liver Disease
Kidney Cancer
Liver Cancer

Mental Health

Anorexia Nervosa
Bipolar Affective Disorder
Bulimia Nervosa
Dementia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Schizophrenia

Disclaimer : All information on www.family-health-guide.org is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.