Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm | Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms in Los Angeles

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are the bulging of weak spot in an artery located below the diaphragm and above the legs. Aortic aneurysms located above the diaphragm in the upper chest region are known as thoracic aortic aneurysms, though the causes of the two are the same. High blood pressure in the abdominal area of the aorta causes the weakening of the arterial wall, which in turn can eventually cause the blood vessel to bulge in the weakened spot. The biggest danger of having a bulging, weakened spot in the abdominal area of the aorta is the potential for an aneurysm. When an aneurysm occurs the aorta bursts, and massive internal bleeding results. Since the aorta is the body's biggest artery, it carries a large amount of blood and an aneurysm can be potentially lethal.

Even if the abdominal aortic aneurysm does not burst, it can still pose serious health threats to the individual. Blood clots can result in blocked blood vessels and eventual loss of limb, which is why it is very important to properly diagnose and treat abdominal aortic aneurysms. Men over the age of 60, people with a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms, and individuals with high blood pressure should be tested regularly by a cardiothoracic specialist to rule out the potential for abdominal aortic aneurysms. If a patient develops an abdominal aortic aneurysm, the treatment options are either to continue waiting and monitoring the aneurysm or to surgically repair the aneurysm, depending on the severity of the case and the patient's individual risk factors.