Contents:
- Medical Video: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
- What is abdominal aortic aneurysm?
- What are the causes of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
- Apart from throbbing stomach pain, what are the symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
- When do I have to see a doctor?
- What can be done to prevent it?
Medical Video: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
There are many types of stomach aches that indicate health problems. Most include minor problems that can be overcome at home, but others may be more serious. If you often experience sudden abdominal pain, this is one that you need to watch out for.
Abdominal pain that feels throbbing, occurs suddenly, and repetitive is a sign of widening the aortic blood vessels in the stomach. This condition is called abdominal aortic aneurysm. So, what are the signs and symptoms? Check out the full review below.
What is abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Aorta is the largest blood vessel in the human body which is responsible for carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the entire body, including the stomach and digestive organs in it.
The aortic wall that should be strong and elastic can be weakened due to various causes. When this happens, pressure from the bloodstream can make the aorta wall swell or bulge like a small balloon. Swelling of the aortic blood vessels in the abdomen is called the abdominal aortic aneurysm.
This condition does not always endanger health, provided the widening is small (less than 5.5 centimeters). When it exceeds this number, the aorta can rupture and trigger internal bleeding.
This disease is more common in men aged 65 years and over than women.
What are the causes of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
The cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm is currently unknown. However, there are a number of things that are proven to increase the risk:
- Smoke. People who often smoke usually have high blood pressure. Over time, this can make the artery walls continue to swell and be damaged slowly.
- Hypertension. Hypertension is a condition when blood pressure has increased from the normal limit (more than 120/80 mmHg). If left unchecked, this can cause the aortic wall to weaken and increase the risk of aneurysm.
- Vascular inflammation (vasculitis). Vascular inflammation is a serious inflammation that occurs in the aortic arteries and other arteries. Although very rare, this can lead to abdominal aortic aneurysms.
- Overweight. Reporting from Healthline, people who are overweight or obese have a high risk of developing this disease, especially if they do not adopt a healthy lifestyle. You can check whether your weight is ideal with a BMI calculator or on the bit.ly/indeksmassatubuh link.
Apart from throbbing stomach pain, what are the symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Abdominal aortic aneurysms generally develop slowly and usually without other obvious symptoms. Because it is vague, this condition is often ignored and only realized when it has caused more severe complications.
However, the most common symptom of the first abdominal aortic aneurysm most often reported is abdominal pain like a heartbeat. It usually occurs suddenly, but often. This symptom is more easily felt by thin people than people who are obese. Apart from pulsing, the stomach also feels soft but does not hurt when touched or pressed.
In people who are obese, symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysms tend not to be felt until the swelling breaks.
So, you also need to know about you and the symptoms that arise when the aortic vessel has ruptured:
- Sudden pain in the abdomen or back.
- Pain spreads to organs around the abdomen, such as the pelvis, legs and buttocks.
- Body sweats.
- Faster heartbeat.
- Shock or faint.
When do I have to see a doctor?
If you often experience a throbbing stomach accompanied by the symptoms above, immediately consult a doctor to get further treatment. The doctor may conduct an examination in the form of a CT or CAT scan of the abdomen, abdominal ultrasound, chest x-ray, and MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
If the aneurysm is still small, your doctor will monitor your health condition regularly to prevent it from getting bigger. But if the doctor finds a width of more than 5.5 centimeters, he will immediately recommend surgery to remove the damaged part of the aorta and replace it with an artificial tube. Surgery can also aim to graft blood vessels to prevent bleeding.
What can be done to prevent it?
In order for your blood vessels to become stronger, try multiplying eating vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Do not forget to balance also with exercise regularly at least two to three times a week to maintain the health of your blood vessels.
If you are used to smoking, immediately stop these bad habits for your health. Don't forget to check your cholesterol and blood pressure regularly to prevent excessive pressure on your blood vessels.
