Stomach pulsations: Root causes and when medical attention is necessary
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a potentially life-threatening condition that affects the large blood vessel carrying blood from the heart to the abdomen and lower body. This article provides an overview of the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of AAAs.
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### Symptoms
Most AAAs are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during imaging for other reasons. However, when symptoms occur, they may include a pulsating sensation near the navel, deep, constant pain in the abdomen or on the side of the abdomen, and back pain. If the aneurysm ruptures, symptoms can be sudden and severe, such as intense abdominal or back pain, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and loss of consciousness, which is a medical emergency.
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### Risk Factors
Key factors that increase the risk of AAA include age and gender, with the condition being more common in men over 65 years old. Smoking is a significant risk factor, with over 90% of people with AAA having a history of tobacco use. A family history of the condition also increases the risk, with having a first-degree relative with AAA raising the risk. Other risk factors include atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, connective tissue disorders, inflammatory diseases, trauma, and the use of nicotine products or drugs like cocaine.
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### Diagnosis
Screening for AAAs is crucial, especially for men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked or have a family history. Ultrasound is the primary non-invasive screening tool. If needed, CT scan or MRI provide detailed information about aneurysm size and extent. Diagnosis is typically made when an aneurysm exceeds 3 cm in diameter on imaging.
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### Treatment
Treatment depends mainly on the size, growth rate of the aneurysm, and the patient’s overall health. Small AAAs (<5.5 cm) are usually monitored with regular imaging and management of risk factors such as blood pressure and smoking cessation. Larger AAAs (>5.5 cm) or rapidly growing aneurysms (>0.5 cm/year) require surgical intervention to prevent rupture.
There are two main surgical options: open surgical repair and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Open surgical repair involves replacing the aneurysm with a synthetic graft, while EVAR is a less invasive method using a stent graft inserted via the arteries.
In summary, early detection through screening and addressing risk factors like smoking and hypertension are critical for the prevention and management of AAAs. Surgical repair is effective for large or symptomatic aneurysms to prevent rupture. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance and personalised advice.
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