Written by Jose Garcia, MD and Allison Abresch-Meyer, DO

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), also known as a “triple A,” is a serious medical condition that occurs when a section of the aorta weakens and bulges. If left undetected and untreated, it can grow and potentially rupture, leading to life-threatening complications.

This rarely occurs before age 50, but is a relatively common condition in older adults, seen in 4-8% of men over 65 and 1-2% of women over 65. Symptoms include sudden, severe abdominal or back pain, dizziness, loss of consciousness and shock. Fortunately, early detection through screening can save lives.

What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

The aorta is the largest artery in the body, responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. An aneurysm happens when a weak spot in the wall of the aorta causes it to expand, or "balloon," over time. This enlargement puts pressure on surrounding organs and increases the risk of several complications, which are often silent, sudden and life-threatening. Complications include:

• Aneurysm rupture (the most severe complication): Tearing of the aorta, leading to life-threatening bleeding.
• Aortic dissection: A tear in the inner layer of the aorta, which may lead to rupture and life-threatening bleeding
• Thromboembolism: Blood clots that may lead to stroke or severe leg pain.
  

Who is at risk? What can I do?

AAAs are more common than many people realize. Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing an aortic aneurysm. These include:

• Age over 65: People over the age of 65 are at higher risk.
• Male sex: Men are more likely to develop  AAAs than women are.
• Smoking: Smokers are four to seven times more likely to develop aneurysms, and smoking can cause them to grow two to three times faster. Talk to your primary care provider for help or support decreasing your nicotine use.
• Family history: If someone in your family has had an aortic aneurysm, you may be at 20-30% higher risk.
• Genetic disorders linked to AAA: Genetic disorders that can increase risk level include Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vascular type) and Loeys-Dietz syndrome.
• High blood pressure and high cholesterol: These conditions can weaken the walls of the aorta over time. Along with medications, lifestyle interventions can help achieve target blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These may include 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity, strength training two to three times a week, seven to nine hours of sleep per night, and a whole-food, plant-based diet.
  

Who qualifies for screening?

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked should get a one-time AAA screening. For men of the same age who have never smoked, the decision to screen should be based on a conversation with their healthcare provider. Women aged 65 to 75 who have never smoked generally do not need to be screened unless they have other risk factors, such as a family history of aneurysms.

Easy and painless screening

An AAA screening is quick, painless and non-invasive. The most common method used is an ultrasound. This imaging test uses sound waves to create a picture of your aorta, allowing healthcare providers to check for signs of an aneurysm. It is a simple procedure that takes just a few minutes and requires no special preparation. Early detection through screening can significantly reduce the risk of rupture and improve outcomes.

Talk to your primary care provider

Discussing screening with your primary care provider is crucial, especially if you are at high-risk. Early detection saves lives by allowing for timely intervention and monitoring. At Skagit Regional Health, we are committed to providing exceptional healthcare, always, with state-of-the-art imaging equipment and experienced specialty providers. If an aneurysm is detected, we work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your condition and prevent complications.

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