Abdominal aortic aneurysm: timely prevention saves lives

Unclear abdominal or Back pain, dizziness, tension in the chest, alternating constipation and diarrhoea, increased urge to urinate – what many people do not know: An abdominal aortic aneurysm can also be behind such complaints.

Unexplained abdominal or back pain, dizziness, tension in the chest, alternating constipation and diarrhea, increased urge to urinate - what many people don't know: Such symptoms can also be caused by an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This is a bulging of the abdominal aorta. This disease is particularly dangerous because it develops slowly and is symptom-free for a long time. However, if a rupture occurs suddenly, there is an acute risk of death from internal bleeding, as large amounts of blood pour into the abdominal cavity within a very short time.

Over time, such a bulge places increasing strain on the aortic vessel walls, which can lead to tears. The risk of a sudden rupture increases with the size of the expansion. An abdominal aortic aneurysm most commonly occurs between the ages of 60 and 80, with men being affected 4-6 times more often than women.

Vascular occlusions are also a threat

“But even without a rupture, the aneurysm poses health risks,” says Dr. Reinhold Lunow, medical director of the practice clinic Bornheim near Cologne and Bonn. "Blood clots can form in the area of ​​the bulge. If they break off and travel with the bloodstream into the leg arteries, acute vascular occlusions, known as embolisms, are the result. This can lead to loss of sensation and restricted mobility, and ultimately tissue can even die."

When assessing the risk of suffering an aortic aneurysm, the following criteria apply: age over 50 years, Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, being very overweight, smoking and heredity. Inflammation, caused by arteriosclerosis, for example, can also weaken the aorta and cause tears.

Dr. Lunow therefore recommends a medical examination if one or more of these risk factors are present. An aneurysm is often discovered purely by chance during another examination, such as a CT scan or a bone scan of the lumbar spine. "An abdominal aortic aneurysm can be discovered with a simple ultrasound scan," explains the expert in diagnostics and preventive medicine.

If an aneurysm is present, its size and any symptoms determine the further measures. If the diameter is less than 5 cm, surgery is usually not necessary. However, regular check-ups every 3 to 6 months are then on the agenda in order to be able to detect changes at an early stage. Other causative diseases, such as a hypertension, must be addressed.

However, if the aneurysm grows quickly and causes problems, the risk of rupture increases and surgery is required. There are two options here. Firstly, an abdominal operation in which a plastic prosthesis is inserted. Secondly, a so-called stent graft can be inserted via the femoral vessels. This vascular support adapts to the aortic wall and seals it off.

The recommendation: early screening

“It is important to Diagnosisin order to effectively combat this insidious disease," says Dr. Lunow. "A corresponding check-up, especially an ultrasound examination of the blood vessels, should be carried out before the first symptoms appear."