Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Q I'm 43 years old and, until recently, I had not heard about abdominal aneurysms. Sadly, my uncle was an unexpected victim of the condition that caused his death almost immediately. People need to know that this is a serious condition. Can you give me some background about this condition and who is likely to become a victim?

T. W., Cincinnati

A Unfortunately, there are many other people who experienced the same fate as your uncle, and were victims of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Statistics indicate that ruptured aortic aneurysm is the 15th-leading cause of death in the U.S. and occurs in 1 of 20 older men.

An aortic aneurysm occurs when the aorta, the large blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body, ruptures and results in life-threatening bleeding. Doctors say the condition is a silent threat because a weak spot in the aorta bulges, many times undetected, and grows very slowly until it bursts.

If you have symptoms of AAA, which include abdominal or back pain and a pulsating mass in the abdomen, doctors say you should seek immediate medical attention. Research indicates that men are much more likely to be victimized than women, and the condition is more likely to occur in men who smoke. Additionally, doctors say nearly all deaths from an aortic aneurysm occur in people over 65.

Many of the same risk factors that are associated with atherosclerosis, which is usually linked to heart disease, are often connected with AAA. The accumulation of plaque weakens artery walls, leading to the potentially deadly condition. So, many of the same preventive measures that medical experts recommend to avoid heart attacks are suggested to help prevent AAA.

If detected in time, doctors say surgeons can prevent a rupture, so don't ignore possible symptoms.

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