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hy are abdominal aortic aneurysms so alarmingly likely to rupture? Learn about the fatal risks
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a localized enlargement of the abdominal aorta that is larger than 3 cm in diameter or more than 50% of its normal size. This condition usually has no symptoms when it is not ruptured, but can be life-threatening during a rupture. The reason is that the deterioration of abdominal aortic aneurysm and its high rupture rate have attracted widespread attention and brought many challenges to the medical community.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms have an extremely high risk of rupture, especially when the diameter is greater than 7 cm, the rupture rate can be as high as 33%. According to research, the mortality rate of patients after rupture is as high as 85% to 90%.
According to statistics, abdominal aortic aneurysm mainly occurs in men, people over 50 years old and people with a family history of the disease. In addition, smoking, high blood pressure and certain cardiovascular diseases are also risk factors. Genetic factors, such as Marfan syndrome and Earls-Danlos syndrome, also increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm symptoms and complications
Abdominal aortic aneurysm symptoms are usually not obvious, and many patients have already progressed to a very serious stage by the time it is discovered. In some cases, patients may experience pain in the abdomen, back, or legs.
A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause severe symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness, and is often accompanied by the risk of death.
Complications include rupture, peripheral embolism, and acute aortic occlusion, all of which can lead to life-threatening consequences. Studies have shown that 65% to 75% of patients may die before reaching the hospital before rupture.
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm is not fully understood, but there are several known risk factors. One study showed that more than 90% of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm had a history of smoking, which emphasizes the importance of quitting smoking. In addition, genetic factors also play a key role in the development of the disease.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm has a clear clustering phenomenon in families, and the risk of male family members is four to six times that of female family members.
Atherosclerosis is considered one of the key causes of abdominal aortic aneurysm, while hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases may exacerbate the condition.
Diagnosis and Screening
The diagnosis of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is usually made by physical examination, ultrasound, or CT scan. Many countries recommend screening for specific populations. For example, in the United States, men aged 65 to 75 years who have a history of smoking should undergo regular abdominal ultrasound screening. This strategy has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of death.
The specific screening method can be adjusted according to the individual's health status to ensure accessibility and effectiveness.
Treatment and Management
For asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms, treatment options include conservative management and monitoring, with surgical repair when necessary. Surgery is usually recommended when the abdominal aortic aneurysm is larger than 5.5 centimeters in diameter or when symptoms develop. Surgical options include open surgery or endovascular repair (EVAR). Although the short-term risks of endovascular repair are lower, the long-term results are similar to those of traditional open surgery.
Studies have shown that open repair and endovascular repair each have their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of postoperative recovery, and the choice should be made based on the patient's specific circumstances.
In addition, in some special cases, such as aneurysms caused by infection, targeted treatment options may be required. Small but rapidly growing aneurysms require close monitoring.
Conclusion
Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a highly life-threatening health problem, but the risk can be reduced through early screening and timely treatment. However, are we fully aware of this hidden danger and taking positive actions to prevent avoidable tragedies?
