What is an abdominal aorta?
“Abdominal aorta” is the medical term for the artery in the stomach. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm is a state creating a rupture risk due to an enlargement of any segment of the aorta.
Originating from the heart, the aorta is the largest artery that enables blood distribution throughout the body. An enlargement up to a point doubling the normal diameter of the aorta, which may occur due to various reasons (congenital, high blood pressure, structural defects, atherosclerosis etc.), is called aortic aneurysm.
When the aortic aneurysm is in the thorax it is called thoracic aortic aneurysm. The term thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm is used to refer to the aneurysms that expand to both areas.
It is recorded that the most common reason for the abdominal aortic aneurysm is atherosclerosis, which is an insidious cardiovascular with almost no symptoms in its early stages. Yet, early diagnosis of the disease s crucial for its treatment.
Who are at risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
- Age: 65+
- A previously diagnosed coronary artery disease (heart attack, bypass, stent etc.)
- Stroke due to atherosclerosis
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- The factors listed above create a higher risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm for patients.
While the rate of diagnosing the abdominal aortic aneurysm before the rupture is 1% in Turkey, this rate rises to 5% in the US and European countries. Neglecting to conduct a health screening on the risky patients creates such a significant difference.
People at risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm need to have an abdominal ultrasound screening, which is a simple method for diagnosis. This may enable an early diagnosis and thus the treatment needed, when the diameter of the aorta reaches 5.5 cm, can be performed timely and with lower risks.
If you are at risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm please consult your doctor as soon as possible to have an abdominal ultrasound screening. Being proactive minimizes the risk and saves lives.
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