What is an abdominal aorta and branches blockage?In the body there is a large artery called the aorta.The aorta branches off into two main arteries that are in the abdomen.When these branches and arteries become blocked that is when an aneurysm occurs.
How does the abdominal aorta and branches blockage happen?Over time the walls of the aorta and its branches collect deposits of cholesterol, this is only one of the reason, when this happens the aorta wall begins to get weak.When the aorta walls get weak they enlarge or expand.This is when an abdominal aortic aneurysm happens.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm is also known as the ballooning of the aorta.This condition can lead to life threatening bleeding.Doctors may recommend surgery for patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Let’s give some basics into the anatomy of the heart, aorta, and arteries.The heart pumps blood into a large artery known as the aorta.The aorta branches off into two main arteries called the iliac arteries that are in the abdomen.Each of the two iliac arteries then separates into a branch that goes into the pelvis and a branch that goes into the leg.In the abdomen the aorta branches out into other importantarteries, their job is to supply blood to the liver, spleen, stomach, intestines, kidneys and the spinal cord.
If the wall of an artery becomes weak it can stretch and balloon out, this condition is dangerous and is known as an aneurysm.The aorta is an artery so if its walls become weak the aorta will dilate and the aneurysm begins to develop. One of the main reasons that the aorta becomes weak and begins to enlarge is the deposits of cholesterol in the wall of the aorta.Some people are more likely to develop an aneurysms due to their genes, but the exact cause of an abdominal aortic aneurysm in not known.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms may be localized to the aorta and not any of the branches, but it also may involve the arteries that branch off and go to the kidneys, or the iliac arteries that go to the legs.Most abdominal aortic aneurysms start below the kidneys.However, some aneurysms may start above the kidneys and may reach into and beyond the iliac arteries.
In time, an abdominal aortic aneurysm may grow and may rupture, leading to serious bleeding.If left untreated, it could become fatal.Success of patients treated before the rupture occurs is much higher than from treatment after a rupture in an emergency situation.
Patients that are at a higher risk for an abdominal aortic aneurysm include those with lung disease, hypertension, and those with large aneurysms.If the aneurysm is small then surgery may not be recommended.When the risk of rupture is greater than the risk of surgery then the surgery may be recommended.
A healthy, low-fat diet can reduce the plaque buildup and possibly slow the aneurysm growth.Refraining from smoking is vital.
In summary, an abdominal aorta and branches blockage is a blockage in the aorta and its branches.When a blockage happens the walls of the aorta become weak and begin to enlarge. Aneurysms are weak areas in the walls of arteries. Aneurysm that rupture and bleed it serious and life threatening.An abdominal aortic aneurysm may occur in the aorta and continue to the iliac arteries or the arteries that go to the kidneys.Taking the aneurysm out surgically and replacing it with a graft may save your life.
This operation is safe and has good results especially when done before the aneurysm bleeds.Complications can always happen, knowing about them will assist you to detect them early.