{"id":2506,"date":"2019-01-20T06:06:54","date_gmt":"2019-01-20T06:06:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=2506"},"modified":"2021-11-10T15:22:17","modified_gmt":"2021-11-10T15:22:17","slug":"15-causes-linked-to-abdominal-aortic-aneurysm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-causes-linked-to-abdominal-aortic-aneurysm\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Causes Linked to Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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An abdominal aortic aneurysm is also referred to as AAA. This condition can originate anywhere around the aorta. The aorta is the major artery that runs from the left ventricle of the heart to the abdomen. An AAA develops into a bulge that is filled with blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This bulge causes the walls to weaken. When blood is flowing through at a normal pressure it causes further damage. Eventually, the aorta will rupture. This will cause a severe amount of pain as well as massive internal bleeding. If an abdominal aortic aneurysm is not spotted early it can be quite dangerous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it is not dealt with it will become bigger with time until it ruptures. The bleeding caused by this can be life-threatening. The exact reason for the development of an AAA is not known. However, there are some causes that are linked to AAA development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There has been medical research that has shown a link between the hardening of the arteries and the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The hardening of the arteries is a condition that is called atherosclerosis<\/a>. If you have been diagnosed with atherosclerosis there is a higher chance of you developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is because of the accumulation of hardened fat and other substances lining the blood vessels. This creates a smaller space for blood to flow through. When the heart has to pump harder in order to get blood through to your body, it becomes overworked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This causes many unwanted conditions. A fatty build-up in the blood vessels increases the risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Eating a healthier diet that consists of less fatty and fried foods can reduce your risk of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. A healthy diet also reduces the risk of developing other heart-related conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Smoking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are numerous health-related reasons why you should not smoke. One of them is that it can increase your risk of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Smoking <\/a>has been linked to many different health issues and is considered a culprit when it comes to causing aortic aneurysms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smoking can increase blood pressure and also cause fatty plaques to accrue within the arteries. This encourages an aneurysm to develop much faster. If you are currently a smoker the best thing that you can do for your body is to quit. There are many quit smoking programs available and the sooner that you are able to stop smoking the better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only will it reduce your risk of developing an aortic aneurysm, but it will also lower your risk of high blood pressure and of developing many types of lung disease. The sooner that you can quit the better off your body is going to be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many different types of infections <\/a>that our bodies are fighting off at all times. Some of these infections are cured with antibiotics and others go away on their own with time. Some infections that affect the blood may be a cause of abdominal aortic aneurysms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One such infection is called vasculitis. This type of infection will wear away at the blood vessels located throughout the veins and arteries. The inflammation that is caused by this type of infection is the main culprit in causing an abdominal aortic aneurysm to develop. The infection essentially eats away at portions of the aortic wall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can cause many different health issues to develop as the infection spreads throughout the body. A person with vasculitis needs to be aware of the risks of this infection and take care to rid the body of the infection as soon as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Weakened Walls of the Aorta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The main culprit behind the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is the weakening of the walls in the aorta. An abdominal aortic aneurysm<\/a> causes inflammation inside the walls of the arteries. This ballooning effect as the aneurysm increases in size will eventually cause the cells of the aorta walls to be destroyed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This destruction will cause weakness and eventually the collapse of the arteries. It is important to change your dietary habits and to monitor blood pressure as well as an aneurysm that is detected in order to avoid it rupturing. If an aneurysm is allowed to continue to grow, it will eventually rupture and cause internal bleeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When this occurs the chances of survival are not high as it can be difficult to stop the bleeding. Knowing the signs of a weakened aorta is important for your overall health as catching these early is key to survival. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Heredity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to the risk factors linked to abdominal aortic aneurysms there is one that you cannot do much about. There are some families that are simply at a higher risk for developing this condition based on their genetics<\/a>. A birth defect or having a sibling or parent that has the condition can increase the risk of you developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A caucasian male is four times as likely to develop an aortic abdominal aneurysm when compared to people of other ethnic groups and women. White men over the age of 65 are at the highest risk for developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. There are tests that can be done in order to determine a person\u2019s risk for developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

White males over the age of 65 should discuss screening options for an abdominal aortic aneurysm with their primary care physician. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Past Injuries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have been involved in an automobile accident you may be at a higher risk for developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Any time a person suffers from a blunt injury <\/a>near the abdominal aorta, they have a higher risk of developing the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are in a car accident and your abdomen was hit with force, your risk of developing an AAA is increased. It is important to make sure that you get checked out by a doctor after any car accident. Even if you feel fine after being involved in this type of accident it is still best to have a doctor check you out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are times when the injury may not be severe at the time, but it still could cause you to have health issues in the future. If you ever receive any blunt force trauma to your abdominal area it is a good idea to go to your doctor as soon as possible to make sure there is no internal damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Age and Associated Diseases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are some medical conditions that are related to abdominal aortic aneurysms developing. Some of these associated medical conditions include any type of coronary heart disorder<\/a> or peripheral vascular disease. These people are at an increased risk of developing an AAA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, age may play a role in the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Individuals who are over the age of 60, smoke, and eat diets high in fat are eighteen percent more likely to develop an abdominal aortic aneurysm than a person who is under the age of 60, does not smoke, and refrains from eating a diet high in fat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

White men over the age of 60 are also at an increased risk of developing an AAA. If you are a white male it is important to go for yearly screenings in order to help catch an aneurysm early as early detection can help prevent it from rupturing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Low-density lipoprotein is what is known as bad cholesterol<\/a>. LDL cholesterol has been linked to an increased risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysms. On the other hand, there have been studies that have shown that high-density lipoproteins, which are considered to be good cholesterol, are linked to a lower risk for developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, those who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or hypertension are at an increased risk of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. High blood pressure causes a decline of the proteins and elastic fibers in the blood vessel walls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also increases the force of the flow of blood against the aorta walls. These factors together can weaken areas along the aorta. This increases the risk for infections and the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Taking steps to lower your blood pressure can greatly reduce the risk of an AAA developing.
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9. Endothelial Dysfunction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Endothelium <\/a>cells line the walls of the tiny arteries, (arterioles,) that run through the body. These arterioles regulate the precise delivery of blood to the surrounding tissues, and the endothelium is the inner lining of these cells. When this critical layer becomes dysfunctional, a host of life-threatening situations arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The endothelium maintains the correct constriction and dilation of blood vessels, with endothelial \u201ctone,\u201d determining a person\u2019s blood pressure. The endothelium also plays a vital role in protecting tissues from toxins, controlling inflammation and electrolyte levels, as well as regulating blood clotting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors diagnose endothelial dysfunction by testing for low vascular nitric oxide levels. A lack of this nutrient results in several blood vessel dysfunctions. If left untreated, these abnormalities may lead to the development of atherosclerosis and changes in heart function. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The constriction of the arterioles is a contributing factor in the development of \u201ccardiac syndrome X,\u201d and contributes to diastolic dysfunction and the development of an aortic aneurysm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Deep Vein Thrombosis <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The arteries in our legs may form blood clots that travel up towards the heart. This condition, also known as \u201cDeep Vein Thrombosis,\u201d or \u201cDVT<\/a>,\u201d can cause throbbing pain and swollen legs. However, in some cases, DVT may present no symptoms in the lower limbs, until the clot travels further up into the artery network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

DVT occurs when the circulatory system develops dysfunctions that affect how blood clots in the body. Sedentary individuals that spend their days confined to the couch may also develop thrombosis clots due to a lack of movement throughout the day. Other patients may find they develop clots after surgery or medical procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DVT is a dangerous condition because the clots may break loose of the arterial wall and travel up towards the cardiovascular system. If the clumps create a blockage, it may lead to the development of an abdominal aortic embolism, a pulmonary embolism, or a stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Nitric Oxide Deficiency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Alfred Nobel won the Nobel Prize for his discovery of nitric oxide<\/a>. The physician to the founder of the Nobel organization prescribed him nitroglycerin for his heart problems over 100-years ago. Nitroglycerin, the active ingredient in dynamite, causes the body to produce nitric oxide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The endothelium produces nitric oxide, and NO helps with the dilation of blood vessels, allowing blood vessels to carry more oxygen to other areas of the body, including the heart. Various foods, such as green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach, contain nitric oxide enhancing compounds that increase the presence of NO in blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When atherosclerosis occurs, it blocks the endothelium\u2019s capacity to produce nitric oxide, forcing the affected individual to rely on exogenous sources to increase their levels of the nutrient. If NO levels fall too far, it may result in the development of an aortic aneurysm. You can increase intake of the NO-forming amino acid L-arginine, and citrulline to enhance levels of NO in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Atherosclerosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This condition describes excessive LDL cholesterol levels lining the walls of the arteries. The only risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis <\/a>is an elevation in low-density lipoproteins in the blood. There are many reasons for an increase in LDL, such as high consumption of fast foods containing trans-saturated fat, alcohol consumption, smoking, and eating sugar \u2013 to name a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When plaque lines the arterial wall, it interrupts endothelial production of nitric oxide, diminishing levels of the compound d in the bloodstream. When LDL plaque deposits break away from the arterial wall, they cause a blockage that leads to a clot. The clot slows blood flow to the heart, resulting in congestive heart failure. The clot may also create an aortic aneurysm or pulmonary embolism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep your LDL reading below 70 mg\/dL to avoid the development of atherosclerosis. Make adjustments to your lifestyle that take you out of the risk group for the development of this condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Complications with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the patient does not receive the necessary treatment in time, complications with aortic embolisms can arise. Tears in the aortic wall, or a ruptured aneurysm, are among the primary cause for concern with complications of the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rupturing of an aneurysm has the potential to turn into a life-threatening situation, as it\u2019s challenging for medical professionals to stop the internal bleeding. The main sign of a ruptured artery <\/a>is intense, sudden back pain described as a tearing sensation. The pain radiates from the lower back into the back of the legs. Other signs of rupture include clammy hands, excessive sweating, cold sweats, nausea, and vomiting, as well as low blood pressure and increased heart rate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Blot clots are another complication of aortic aneurysms. Tiny clots develop in the region of an aortic aneurysm, and when they break free, they can cause circulation issues in other areas of the body, particularly, the legs and abdominal organs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The development of a thoracic aortic aneurysm is a further complication of dealing with the condition. Since the aorta <\/a>is the largest blood vessel, when aneurysms occur in this area, they interrupt the flow of blood to other areas of the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also referred to as an \u201caortic dissection,\u201d (TAAD,) or a thoracic aneurysm, this condition can lead to a tear in the wall of the aorta which leads to massive internal bleeding that can result in death. It\u2019s possible for patients with small aneurysms never to experience a rupture. However, those individuals with large, fast-growing aneurysms are almost certain to deal with a rupture event in the future. Upon your diagnosis, your doctor will inform you of the state of your aneurysm, and what they expect to occur with its growth, as well as plans for future treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm include tenderness in the chest, along with mild pain, shortness of breath, and a cough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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