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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Awareness for Timely Management

An 腹主动脉瘤 (AAA or “triple A”) is a potentially life-threatening condition where the aorta, which is the body’s main artery, becomes enlarged in the abdomen. 这种情况可以 be difficult to detect, as the aneurysm often grows slowly and can be asymptomatic. 然而, early detection and medical intervention are key in preventing dangerous outcomes, such as the aneurysm rupturing, 哪个会导致死亡.

早期发现至关重要

Some people may experience abdominal or back pain, but AAAs typically progress silently. Catching them early and proper medical management can be lifesaving. 

AAA cases usually don't show symptoms until they become severe. Screening can detect asymptomatic conditions, allowing for elective treatment before emergencies arise.

Certain populations are more at risk for AAAs. Knowing if you fall into an at-risk group can help you determine if you should be screened for this condition. 

You are at a higher risk of developing this condition if you: 

  • 使用烟草
  • Are between the ages of 65 and 75, particularly if you are a male
  • 有AAA家族史吗
  • 有其他动脉瘤吗?
  • 有高血压 
  • Have an infection in the aorta 
  • Experienced physical trauma, such as a car accident 

It’s important to note that tobacco use is the main risk factor for developing this condition.

“Smoking causes inflammation in the wall of the aorta, which weakens the wall,” says 卡利·约翰逊,医学博士, a vascular surgeon at University of Utah Health. “Smoking affects all arteries, but the larger the artery, the weaker it becomes as it starts to grow.” 

People between 65 and 75 years of age who smoke or have smoked cigarettes, or have a family history of the condition, are encouraged to undergo a one-time AAA screening.

The Screening Process and Next Steps

AAAs are often found by accident when a patient is getting a CT scan for an unrelated condition. If you have risk factors, an abdominal ultrasound is the most common method to diagnose AAAs. 

Once you are diagnosed, the size of your aneurysm determines next steps and treatment options. 如果你的动脉瘤很小, your doctor will monitor its growth over time, usually with regular ultrasounds or CT scans.

If the aneurysm has grown larger than 女性是5厘米,或者5.一个人5厘米, your doctor will likely recommend surgery. 

AAAs are surgically fixed in two ways: 

  1. Surgically replacing the thinned-out blood vessel or enlarged area of the aorta.
  2. Using a specialized stent with fabric to reline the blood vessel in a minimally invasive way so that the thinned wall is no longer getting touched by the pressurized blood.

The type of surgery you get depends on factors such as: 

  • Location and size of the aneurysm
  • 你的年龄
  • 你的解剖
  • 其他健康状况

避免紧急情况

If you have symptoms of a ruptured AAA, it is a medical emergency that can lead to death and needs immediate treatment.

If your AAA ruptures, you may experience: 

  • 血压的下降
  • 突然而剧烈的疼痛
  • 冲击

The main symptom of a rupture is usually severe abdominal and back pain, which individuals haven't felt before. Approximately 50% of people don't survive the rupture before reaching the hospital, highlighting the critical need for early detection and intervention.

AAA的生活

A diagnosis of AAA may be scary, but University of Utah Health’s Aortic Disease Program is a leading center for innovative and specialized care tailored to your specific needs.

“There’s some evidence that if you have a hereditary form of this, you may have an aneurysm in other places, and we provide that comprehensive care,约翰逊说.

With early intervention and care from an aortic disease specialist, you can still live a 正常而充实的生活 AAA级.

Aortic Disease Treatment from the Aortic Disease Program

We deliver a collaborative approach to aortic care that ensures every patient journey, from the first appointment to rehabilitation, 管理得很好.

Learn About the Aortic Disease Treatment at U of U Health

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