&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis &amp;amp; Treatment&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;An &lt;strong&gt;abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)&lt;/strong&gt; is a serious medical condition in which the lower part of the aorta, the body&amp;rsquo;s main artery, becomes abnormally widened or weakened. The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart through the chest and into the abdomen.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;If an abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures, it can cause &lt;strong&gt;severe internal bleeding&lt;/strong&gt; and is often life-threatening. Many AAAs develop slowly and without symptoms, which is why early detection and appropriate monitoring are essential.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Treatment depends on the &lt;strong&gt;size of the aneurysm&lt;/strong&gt;, how quickly it is growing, and the individual&amp;rsquo;s overall health. Management ranges from regular monitoring with imaging scans to urgent or planned surgery.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;An aneurysm occurs when the wall of a blood vessel weakens and bulges outward. In AAA, this happens in the abdominal section of the aorta.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Small aneurysms may remain stable for years, while larger ones are more likely to expand and rupture. The risk increases significantly as the aneurysm grows beyond &lt;strong&gt;5.5 cm&lt;/strong&gt; in diameter.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Symptoms of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Most abdominal aortic aneurysms cause &lt;strong&gt;no symptoms&lt;/strong&gt;, particularly in the early stages. This makes routine screening especially important for people at higher risk.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;When symptoms do occur, they may include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Deep, constant pain in the abdomen or the side of the abdomen&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Persistent lower back pain&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;A pulsating or throbbing sensation near the belly button&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Symptoms of a Ruptured AAA (Medical Emergency)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm requires &lt;strong&gt;immediate emergency care&lt;/strong&gt;. Symptoms may include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Sudden, severe, and persistent abdominal or back pain (often described as tearing or ripping)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Dizziness or fainting&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Rapid heart rate&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Low blood pressure&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Shock&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Causes of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;The exact cause of AAA is not always known, but several conditions can weaken the aortic wall over time.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Common causes include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Atherosclerosis&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;High blood pressure&lt;/strong&gt;, which puts ongoing stress on the artery walls&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Inflammatory blood vessel diseases&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Infections&lt;/strong&gt; of the aorta (rare)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Physical trauma&lt;/strong&gt;, such as severe injury from a road traffic accident&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Risk Factors&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Certain factors significantly increase the likelihood of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Smoking&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; the strongest known risk factor&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Age&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; most common in people aged 65 and over&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Sex&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; more common in men than women&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ethnicity&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; higher risk in people of White European background&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Family history&lt;/strong&gt; of AAA&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Other aneurysms&lt;/strong&gt;, such as thoracic aortic aneurysms&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;In many countries, &lt;strong&gt;men aged 65&amp;ndash;75 who have ever smoked&lt;/strong&gt; are advised to undergo a &lt;strong&gt;one-time ultrasound screening&lt;/strong&gt; for AAA.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Diagnosis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Abdominal aortic aneurysms are often discovered incidentally during imaging tests performed for other reasons.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Common diagnostic tools include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Abdominal ultrasound&lt;/strong&gt; (most common screening test)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CT scan&lt;/strong&gt;, which provides detailed measurements&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;MRI&lt;/strong&gt;, used in certain clinical situations&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;These tests help assess the size, shape, and growth rate of the aneurysm.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Treatment Options&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Treatment is tailored to the individual and depends on the aneurysm size, growth rate, and symptoms.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Monitoring (Watchful Waiting)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Recommended for small aneurysms&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Regular ultrasound or CT scans to track growth&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Blood pressure and cholesterol management&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Medications&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Medicines to lower blood pressure&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Cholesterol-lowering drugs&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Smoking cessation support&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Surgical Treatment&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Surgery is usually recommended if the aneurysm:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Is larger than 5.5 cm&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Is growing rapidly&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Causes symptoms&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Surgical options include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Open surgical repair&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), a less invasive procedure using a stent graft&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Complications&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Potential complications of AAA include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aneurysm rupture&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, leading to life-threatening bleeding&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aortic dissection&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, where the artery wall layers split&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Blood clots&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, which may block blood flow to the legs, kidneys, or intestines&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;The risk of complications increases with aneurysm size and poor cardiovascular health.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Prevention and Risk Reduction&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;While AAA cannot always be prevented, the risk can be significantly reduced by adopting heart-healthy habits:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Eat a balanced diet low in saturated fat and salt&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Exercise regularly (around 150 minutes per week, if medically appropriate)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Attend recommended screening appointments&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When to See a Doctor&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Seek medical advice if you:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Have persistent abdominal or back pain&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Are in a high-risk group and have not been screened&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

Gay Ipanema Beach Guide 2026: The Ultimate LGBTQ+ Travel Guide to Rio de Janeiro

Ipanema Beach in the 1970s: The Decade That Defined Rio's Cultural Identity

The Best Gay & Nude Beaches in Sydney (2026 Insider's Guide)

10 Best Nude Beaches in Australia 2026: Your Complete Naturist Guide

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Symptoms, Causes, Risks & Treatment Options

MenB Vaccine for Gonorrhea & Meningitis in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui (Thailand)

Top Travel Medicine Clinic in Thailand

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) About Traveler’s Diarrhea

Travel Medicine Clinic in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui and Chiang Mai (Thailand): Specialised in Travellers’ Health

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW