What Is an Abdominal Aortic Anuerysm?
When the artery wall of the abdominal aorta, or main artery, weakens, an abdominal aortic aneurysm can occur. Abdominal aortic aneurysms have no symptoms, so early detection can be difficult. Learn more about abdominal aortic anuerysms.
Related Articles
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Description - Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms - Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Prevention - Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm TreatmentAortic Aneurysm Rupture - Signs of an Aortic Aneurysm RuptureAortic Aneurysm - Treating an Aortic AneurysmBrain Aneurym Rupture and Stroke-The Basics of Brain AneurysmsRuptured Aortic Aneurysms - How to Repair Ruptured Aortic Aneurysms
Transcript: What Is an Abdominal Aortic Anuerysm?
What Is the Aorta?
The aorta is the main artery of the circulatory system. Its function is to carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It is divided into two main sections; the thoracic aorta, which runs down the center of the chest, and the abdominal aorta, which is the lower section located in the abdomen.What Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the abdominal aorta as a result of weakening of the artery wall. Aortic aneurysms may occur due to a build-up of plaque or due to chronic high blood pressure.Symptoms of an Abdominal Aortic Aneursym
Most people with an aneurysm don't have any symptoms, so early detection is difficult. However, if left untreated, an aneurysm can grow larger and larger until it bursts, causing serious internal bleeding.Copyrighted animations provided by Blausen Medical.
