As you may be aware, the aorta is the largest blood vessel in the human body. At Toronto Cardiovascular Ultrasound we screen for abdominal aortic aneurysms. An aortic aneurysm occurs when there is a protrusion in the aorta. This bulge can cause a rupture in the aorta which can be catastrophic. This is why it is critical to know and understand the symptoms and factors that can lead to the development of an aortic aneurysm.
Causes of an Aortic Aneurysm:
The most prominent factor that can lead to the development of an aortic aneurysm is atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of arteries. Atherosclerosis typically results due to a build-up of cholesterol and fat in the arteries. Other factors that can contribute to atherosclerosis are smoking, genetics, high blood pressure, gender, and age(usually after 50 years old). It is more commonly found in advanced age males. Atherosclerosis can weaken and damage the arterial walls which can ultimately lead to the rupturing of the aorta. In most cases, abdominal aortic aneurysms develop slowly over time, which makes it easy to not notice when one is emerging. Some warning signs of an aortic aneurysm include:
– Chest or abdominal pain
– Back pain
– Pulsating in the belly button
– Low blood pressure
Prevention tips:
The way to prevent an aortic aneurysm is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The best way to do this is by avoiding smoking, keeping your blood pressure under control, keeping active, and eating a balanced diet.
The way to diagnose an aortic aneurysm is through a duplex ultrasound. If you have any of the risk factors or symptoms mentioned above, we recommend you get screened by one of our trusted professionals. At our clinic, we perform a duplex ultrasound and we provide follow up for an existing aneurysm. Depending on the severity of the aortic aneurysm and the results of the duplex ultrasound, you may require surgery to treat the aneurysm.
Contact us!
At Toronto Cardiovascular Ultrasound we take pride in our patient care and specialize in cardiovascular ultrasound screenings. To book an appointment with our clinic please call (416)-551-1269, or fill out our online patient contact form on our website