{"id":2838,"date":"2019-01-18T06:01:13","date_gmt":"2019-01-18T06:01:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=2838"},"modified":"2021-03-23T14:36:08","modified_gmt":"2021-03-23T14:36:08","slug":"15-symptoms-linked-to-abdominal-aortic-aneurysm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-symptoms-linked-to-abdominal-aortic-aneurysm\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Symptoms Linked to Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Abdominal aortic aneurysms are enlarged areas located in the lower area of the aorta. The aorta is the main blood vessel supplying the body with blood. The aorta is about as thick as the average garden hose and runs from the heart down the center of the chest and into the abdomen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aorta is known as the main blood supplier to the body, abdominal aortic aneurysm that ruptures can cause internal bleeding that is life-threatening. The rate at which abdominal aortic aneurysm is growing as well as its current size will determine how it is treated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If an abdominal aortic aneurysm is found your doctor will monitor it closely so that if surgery is needed it can be scheduled. Since abdominal aortic aneurysm can be quite dangerous it is important to know the causes and the symptoms of this condition. Here are some common causes and symptoms of an AAA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. No Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Abdominal aortic aneurysms can become dangerous if it is not monitored and continues to grow. Typically, the abdominal aortic aneurysm<\/a> grows quite slowly and often there are no symptoms at all. This makes it quite difficult to detect them. There are some aneurysms that never rupture. Many will start out small and remain the same size. However, many of these will expand with time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are others that develop and then expand quite quickly. It is nearly impossible to predict how quickly an abdominal aortic aneurysm will grow or if it will enlarge at all. It is important to go for regular check-ups, especially if you are at risk for developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Males who are over the age of 65 are at a higher risk for developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm than women. White males are at the highest risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Pulsating Near the Navel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One symptom that a person may have if they are suffering from an abdominal aortic aneurysm is a pulsating sensation located near the navel. This feeling may be quite light and some people may not notice it at all. The pulsating may also become quite bothersome as it feels like there is a heartbeat<\/a> in your stomach. If you notice that you are experiencing this pulsing sensation in your navel area quite frequently you will want to make sure that you discuss it with your doctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This could be a sign that there is an issue in your abdomen and could be a signal that you have developed an abdominal aortic aneurysm. It is important to have this checked out right away so that if it is an abdominal aortic aneurysm it can be closely monitored and if it is enlarged, surgery can be scheduled quickly in order to repair the damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Abdominal Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many causes for abdominal pain. You could simply be constipated. Your appendix or your gallbladder<\/a> can cause you to have pain in the abdominal area. If you are experiencing abdominal pain that is constant and does not go away with the help of an over the counter medication, it is a good idea to go to your doctor to determine what is causing this pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause you to experience constant pain in the abdominal area. This pain could be anywhere in your abdominal area, including the side. If you are having constant abdominal pain you need to go to your doctor right away to determine what is causing it. If an abdominal aortic aneurysm is determined to be the cause it will need to be monitored for growth and surgery to repair the damage that may need to be scheduled before it ruptures and causes further damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Back Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Back pain<\/a> is quite common among adults. There are numerous reasons that a person may experience back pain. Working out, straining, lifting, and any number of things can cause a person to experience back pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, almost every adult will experience back pain at some point in their life. However, extreme back pain that is sudden and severe could be a sign of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. If you have back pain that is severe and comes on quite suddenly it is a good idea to go to your doctor to determine the cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is especially true if the back pain has no real explanation. It is important to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms early so that they do not rupture. Once an aneurysm ruptures, recovery can be quite difficult. If you have back pain combined with abdominal pain seek medical attention right away. This could save your life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Screenings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are male and over the age of 65 it is important to be screened for abdominal aortic aneurysms. This is because men over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of developing an AAA. The screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm is quite simple as it consists of an abdominal ultrasound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your doctor can order an abdominal ultrasound to determine whether or not you have developed an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This ultrasound will show any issues that you may have in the abdominal area. Screenings are usually done about once per year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it is discovered that you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm your doctor may conduct further screenings to keep an eye on its growth. Surgery <\/a>may be necessary if the abdominal aortic aneurysm is growing at a rapid pace and there is a risk for it rupturing. You may also need to make dietary changes to decrease the risk of it rupturing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Genetics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to the risk factors linked to abdominal aortic aneurysms there is one that you cannot do much about. There are some families that are simply at a higher risk for developing this condition based on their genetics<\/a>. A birth defect or having a sibling or parent that has the condition can increase the risk of you developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A caucasian male is four times as likely to develop aortic abdominal aneurysm when compared to people of other ethnic groups and women. White men over the age of 65 are at the highest risk for developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. There are tests that can be done in order to determine a person\u2019s risk for developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. White males over the age of 65 should discuss screening options for abdominal aortic aneurysm with their primary care physician. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Nausea and Vomiting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One sign that a person has an abdominal aortic aneurysm that may have ruptured is severe abdominal pain accompanied by extreme nausea <\/a>and vomiting. If you become sick to your stomach it is easy to play it off as just an infection or illness. Being sick to your stomach can be caused by any number of issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm and you are experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, there is a chance that it has ruptured. You need to seek medical attention right away to determine what is causing the pain and sickness. If the abdominal aortic aneurysm has ruptured a doctor may order surgery immediately in order to repair the damage and to stop the bleeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There may be blood in your vomit if a rupture of the abdominal aortic aneurysm has occurred. Seek emergency care immediately if you are vomiting blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. High Blood Pressure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many people who suffer from high blood pressure<\/a>. High blood pressure is not only one of the causes of abdominal aortic aneurysms developing, but it can also be a symptom. When your heart has to work harder in order to pump blood throughout the body, it causes the blood pressure to rise. If you are suffering from high blood pressure, you are at an increased risk for the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is because high blood pressure causes damage to the walls of the arteries. This damage can lead to infections and inflammation. Inflammation and infections are both causes of the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure it is a good idea to request an abdominal ultrasound screening to look for any abdominal aortic aneurysms that may have developed as a result and to monitor them if they are apparent.

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9. Endothelial Dysfunction
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Endothelium cells line the walls of the tiny arteries, (arterioles,) that run through the body. These arterioles regulate the precise delivery of blood to the surrounding tissues, and the endothelium <\/a>is the inner lining of these cells. When this critical layer becomes dysfunctional, a host of life-threatening situations arise.
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The endothelium maintains the correct constriction and dilation of blood vessels, with endothelial \u201ctone,\u201d determining a person\u2019s blood pressure. The endothelium also plays a vital role in protecting tissues from toxins, controlling inflammation and electrolyte levels, as well as regulating blood clotting.
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Doctors diagnose endothelial dysfunction by testing for low vascular nitric oxide levels. A lack of this nutrient results in several blood vessel dysfunctions. If left untreated, these abnormalities may lead to the development of atherosclerosis and changes in heart function.
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The constriction of the arterioles is a contributing factor in the development of \u201ccardiac syndrome X,\u201d and contributes to diastolic dysfunction and the development of an aortic aneurysm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Deep Vein Thrombosis
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The arteries in our legs may form blood clots that travel up towards the heart. This condition, also known as \u201cDeep Vein Thrombosis,\u201d or \u201cDVT,\u201d can cause throbbing pain and swollen legs. However, in some cases, DVT<\/a> may present no symptoms in the lower limbs, until the clot travels further up into the artery network.
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DVT occurs when the circulatory system develops dysfunctions that affect how blood clots in the body. Sedentary individuals that spend their days confined to the couch may also develop thrombosis clots due to a lack of movement throughout the day. Other patients may find they develop clots after surgery or medical procedures.
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DVT is a dangerous condition because the clots may break loose of the arterial wall and travel up towards the cardiovascular system. If the clumps create a blockage, it may lead to the development of an abdominal aortic embolism, a pulmonary embolism, or a stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Nitric Oxide Deficiency
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Alfred Nobel won the Nobel Prize for his discovery of nitric oxide<\/a>. The physician to the founder of the Nobel organization prescribed him with nitroglycerin for his heart problems over 100-years ago. Nitroglycerin, the active ingredient in dynamite, causes the body to produce nitric oxide.
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The endothelium produces nitric oxide, and NO helps with the dilation of blood vessels, allowing blood vessels to carry more oxygen to other areas of the body, including the heart. Various foods, such as green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach, contain nitric oxide enhancing compounds that increase the presence of NO in blood.
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When atherosclerosis occurs, it blocks the endothelium\u2019s capacity to produce nitric oxide, forcing the affected individual to rely on exogenous sources to increase their levels of the nutrient. If NO levels fall too far, it may result in the development of an aortic aneurysm. You can increase the intake of the NO forming amino acid L-arginine, and citrulline to enhance levels of NO in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Atherosclerosis
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This condition describes excessive LDL cholesterol levels lining the walls of the arteries. The only risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis <\/a>is an elevation in low-density lipoproteins in the blood. There are many reasons for an increase in LDL, such as high consumption of fast foods containing trans-saturated fat, alcohol consumption, smoking, and eating sugar \u2013 to name a few.
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When plaque lines the arterial wall, it interrupts endothelial production of nitric oxide, diminishing levels of the compound d in the bloodstream. When LDL plaque deposits break away from the arterial wall, they cause a blockage that leads to a clot. The clot slows blood flow to the heart, resulting in congestive heart failure. The clot may also create an aortic aneurysm or pulmonary embolism.
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Keep your LDL reading below 70 mg\/dL to avoid the development of atherosclerosis. Make adjustments to your lifestyle that take you out of the risk group for the development of this condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Complications with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
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If the patient does not receive the necessary treatment in time, complications with aortic embolisms can arise. Tears in the aortic wall, or a ruptured aneurysm, are among the primary cause for concern with complications of the condition.
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Rupturing of an aneurysm has the potential to turn into a life-threatening situation, as it\u2019s challenging for medical professionals to stop the internal bleeding. The main sign of a ruptured artery is intense, sudden back pain described as a tearing sensation. The pain radiates from the lower back into the back of the legs. Other signs of rupture include clammy hands, excessive sweating, cold sweats, nausea, and vomiting<\/a>, as well as low blood pressure and increased heart rate.
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\u2018Blot clots are another complication of aortic aneurysms. Tiny clots develop in the region of an aortic aneurysm, and when they break free, they can cause circulation issues in other areas of the body, particularly, the legs and abdominal organs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
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The development of a thoracic aortic aneurysm is a further complication of dealing with the condition. Since the aorta is the largest blood vessel<\/a>, when aneurysms occur in this area, they interrupt the flow of blood to other areas of the body.
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Also referred to as an \u201caortic dissection,\u201d (TAAD,) or a thoracic aneurysm, this condition can lead to a tear in the wall of the aorta which leads to massive internal bleeding that can result in death. It\u2019s possible for patients with small aneurysms never to experience a rupture. However, those individuals with large, fast-growing aneurysms are almost certain to deal with a rupture event in the future. Upon your diagnosis, your doctor will inform you of the state of your aneurysm, and what they expect to occur with its growth, as well as plans for future treatment.
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Symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm include tenderness in the chest, along with mild pain, shortness of breath and a cough.
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