Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA)

1. Management

1.1. For small AAA's, get ultrasounds every 6-12 months

1.2. Daily exercise

1.3. Larger AAA's may need to be removed by a vascular surgeon

1.4. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a less invasive treatment (instead of surgery)

1.5. Low sodium diet

1.6. Maintain a healthy weight

1.7. Have blood pressure & cholesterol checked regularly

1.8. Larger AAA's may need to be removed by a vascular surgeon

2. Complications

2.1. Ruptures-

2.2. Signs of rupture: fast pulse, low blood pressure, sudden, intense and persistent abdominal or back pain, which can be described as a tearing sensation

3. Clinical Symptoms

3.1. Sudden, severe abdominal or back pain

3.2. Pain, discoloration, sores on feet and toes

3.3. Normally do not cause any symptoms

4. Diagnosis

4.1. Abdominal ultrasound

4.2. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA)

5. Risk Factors

5.1. Tobacco use

5.1.1. Gender (male dominant)

5.1.1.1. Age (normally 65+)

5.1.1.1.1. Caucasian

6. Epidemiology

6.1. Every year, 200,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

6.2. A ruptured AAA is the 15th leading cause of death in the country, and the 10th leading cause of death in men older than 55

6.3. Of patients in treatment to repair an AAA, 15–25% have a first-degree relative with the same type of aneurysm.