Know your AAAs

Some dangerous health conditions come with little or no warning signs. This can be the case with an aneurysm of your aorta, which can cause serious risk to your health. So here’s a seven-step review of terminology and information you should know, plus tactics you can use to protect yourself:

1.) Your aorta

It’s the main blood vessel that supplies blood to your abdomen, pelvis and legs.

2.) An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

This occurs when an area of your aorta becomes very large or balloons out.

3.) The exact cause of AAA

While the exact cause is unknown, certain factors are known to increase your risk of developing the problem, including:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Genetic factors
• Being a man

4.) AAA is most often seen in men over age 60

And these men also usually have one or more of the risk factors.

5.) AAA symptoms

Aneurysms can develop slowly over many years, and during that time, you may have no symptoms. However, if the aneurysm expands rapidly, ruptures or leaks blood within the wall of the vessel, these symptoms can come on quickly:

• Severe, persistent or constant pain in the abdomen or back
• Pain that spreads to the groin, buttocks or legs
• Rapid heart rate
• Dizziness and even losing consciousness
• Clammy skin
• Nausea and vomiting

6.) What action to take

See your doctor (Call 908-725-8755), who will perform an examination, particularly of of your abdomen looking for:

• A lump
• A pulsating sensation
• Stiffness or rigidity

Your doctor may also use diagnostic tests such an ultrasound or CT scan. If the aneurysm is small and there are no symptoms, surgery is rarely done. Your doctor is likely to recommend monitoring your aneurysm for growth that could be more dangerous to your health.

7.) Avoiding AAA

You can reduce you risk of developing an aneurysm by:

• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Reducing stress
• Taking all medications as prescribed by your doctor
• Stopping smoking
• If you have ever smoked and are over age 65, having a screening ultrasound