Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Aortic rupture, chest X-ray Aortic aneurysm

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

An aneurysm is when a blood vessel becomes abnormally large or balloons outward. The abdominal aorta is a large blood vessel that supplies blood toyour abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.

The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors for developing an aortic aneurysm include high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, and obesity.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm can develop in anyone, but it is most frequently seen in people over 50 with one or more risk factors. The larger the aneurysm, the more likely it is to rupture.

When an abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures, it is a true medical emergency. Aortic dissection occurs when the innermost lining of the artery tears and blood leaks into the wall of the artery.

Email this page  Printer friendly  Bookmark this page