It's Medical Monday

"Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) occurs when atherosclerosis or plaque buildup causes the walls of the abdominal aorta to become weak and bulge outward like a balloon. An AAA develops slowly over time and has few noticeable symptoms.

The larger an aneurysm grows, the more likely it will burst or rupture, causing intense abdominal or back pain, dizziness, nausea or shortness of breath.

Your doctor can confirm the presence of an AAA with an abdominal ultrasound, abdominal and pelvic CT or angiography. Treatment depends on the aneurysm's location and size as well as your age, kidney function and other conditions.

Aneurysms smaller than five centimeters in diameter are typically monitored with ultrasound or CT scans every six to 12 months. Larger aneurysms or those that are quickly growing or leaking may require open or endovascular surgery."

Today is Medical Monday at Aortic Hope.

Radiologyinfo.org goes on to share in this article titled Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm that, "If an aneurysm expands rapidly, tears, or leaks, the following symptoms may develop suddenly:

intense and persistent abdominal or back pain that may radiate to the buttocks and legs

sweating and clamminess

dizziness

nausea and vomiting

rapid heart rate

shortness of breath

low blood pressure."

To read more about AAAs, click here.