Abdominal Aortic
Aneurysm (AAA)
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Definition |
An abdominal
aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a "ballooning" or
dilatation of the walls of the abdominal aorta,
the main artery in the abdomen, due to weakness
in the blood vessel. Aneurysms can form in any
blood vessel in the body. However, the abdomen
is a common place for aneurysms to occur.
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Causes |
Abdominal
aneurysms are caused by hardening of the
arteries (atherosclerosis), which can be caused
by high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette
smoking, high cholesterol and heredity.
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Treatment |
AAA's are
usually treated with medicines or surgery.
X-rays or ultrasound examinations are used to
determine the best treatment.
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Comments |
Abdominal
aneurysms may grow slowly or quickly. When an
aneurysm reaches a certain size, the risk of
rupture becomes significant and surgery should
be considered.
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Related Links |
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and
Research
Mayo Foundation website with basic information
about AAA.
eMedicine
The eMedicine.com site is a technical site
developed for the health care professional and
has extensive information on AAA and numerous
other medical conditions.
National Library of Medicine
The National Library of Medicine presents
information and pictures about AAA.
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