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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

The aorta is the main artery which supplies oxygen-rich blood to the circulatory system. Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a condition in which an area in the lower part of the artery which runs through the abdomen becomes enlarged. If the aneurysm grows, the walls of the artery become increasingly stretched and thin. If the aorta ruptures, risky emergency surgery is needed to prevent life-threatening bleeding.

The exact cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm is not known but the use of tobacco, development of atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, blood vessel disease, infection in the aorta, heredity, and trauma have proven to be factors.

Early diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm allows the Hackensack vascular surgeon to monitor your condition and be aware of any growth. The challenge is that the condition often presents no symptoms and grows slowly, making diagnosis unlikely unless it is discovered by accident during imaging tests for another condition. Some aneurysms remain small and are never at risk of rupture. For those that do become larger, a pulsating feeling around the navel, back pain, or deep, consistent pain in the abdomen or on the side may be felt.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment at our top vascular center in Bergen County right away. In addition, men between the ages of 65 and 75 who smoke or have ever smoked are at a higher risk and should be screened even if they never have any symptoms. Even if you have never smoked and you have other risk factors such as a family history of aneurysm, you will need to be evaluated. While there is no definitive evidence that women with the same risk factors are more likely to develop abdominal aortic aneurysm, there may still be benefits to being screened.

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