Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA)

What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?

An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a weakened, bulging area in the lower part of the aorta, the major blood vessel that supplies blood to the body. Over time, the aneurysm can enlarge and weaken the artery wall, increasing the risk of rupture—a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

AAAs often develop slowly and without symptoms, making early detection through screenings and imaging tests essential for preventing serious complications. If detected early, treatment options—including monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and minimally invasive procedures—can help prevent rupture and protect your health.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the risk of developing an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, including:

• Smoking (the leading preventable risk factor for AAA)
• High blood pressure (hypertension) (puts added stress on artery walls)
• High cholesterol and atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries)
• Aging (most common in people over 65)
• Male gender (men are more likely than women to develop AAA)
• Family history of AAA or other aneurysms
• Personal history of vascular disease or aneurysms
• Obesity and poor diet
• Sedentary lifestyle

Because AAAs can develop without symptoms, individuals at higher risk—especially men over 65 who have ever smoked—should talk to their doctor about screening.

Symptoms

AAAs often do not cause symptoms until they grow large or rupture. However, in some cases, people may experience:

• A deep, persistent pain in the abdomen, back, or side
• A pulsing sensation in the abdomen (like a heartbeat)
• Unexplained back pain

A ruptured AAA is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. Symptoms of rupture include:

• Sudden, severe abdominal or back pain
• Rapid heart rate and dizziness
• Loss of consciousness

If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Treatment

Treatment for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) depends on the size of the aneurysm, its growth rate, and the risk of rupture. The goal is to prevent rupture while minimizing risks and recovery time.

Monitoring and Medical Management

For small aneurysms (less than 5 cm in diameter) that are not rapidly growing, regular monitoring is often the best approach:

• Routine imaging (ultrasound or CT scans) to track aneurysm size and growth.
• Blood pressure and cholesterol management to reduce artery stress.
• Lifestyle modifications like quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and regular exercise to improve vascular health.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

If an aneurysm is growing quickly or poses a rupture risk, minimally invasive endovascular repair may be recommended:

• Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) – A catheter-based procedure where a stent graft is placed inside the aorta to reinforce the weakened artery wall and prevent rupture.
• Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (TEVAR) – A similar procedure for aneurysms in the upper portion of the aorta.

Surgical Repair

For larger aneurysms (over 5.5 cm) or those at risk of rupture, open surgery may be required:

• Open Aneurysm Repair (OAR) – A surgical procedure where the weakened portion of the aorta is replaced with a synthetic graft, providing a long-term solution.

At AtlantiCare, our vascular specialists use the latest technology and techniques to provide the most effective and least invasive treatment possible, ensuring better outcomes and faster recovery.

Prevention

While not all AAAs can be prevented, certain lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of aneurysm formation and growth:

• Quit smoking: Smoking is the #1 preventable risk factor for AAA.
• Manage blood pressure and cholesterol: Keeping levels under control reduces artery stress.
• Stay active: Regular exercise supports healthy circulation and arterial strength.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Reducing excess weight lowers cardiovascular strain.
• Routine screenings: Men over 65 who have ever smoked should undergo an ultrasound screening for early detection.