Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

In the wake of the late Thomas Ford from the hit 90's sitcom "Martin" we shed some light on exactly what an Abdominal Aneurysm. It was reported by complex that Ford had been in an Atlanta hospital since Sunday after a recent check-up from knee replacement surgery; it's said that Ford fell into a state of unconsciousness due to a ruptured aneurysm in his abdomen after a post-op check-up.It was reported through TMZ that Thomas Ford passed Wednesday October 12,2016 from an ruptured abdominal aneurysm. 
According to mayoclinc.org, An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlarged area in the lower part of the aorta, the major blood vessel that supplies blood to the body. The aorta, about the thickness of a garden hose, runs from your heart through the center of your chest and abdomen.

Symptoms

In most cases abdominal aneurysms present without any symptoms,and are found when you are being evaluated for another condition. 
Sudden severe pain in the abdomen and back along with an positive family history of AAA should lead you to seek medical help. 

Causes

• Men older than 60, smokers, Caucasians and anyone with a first-generation relative who has developed an AAA are at higher risk. 
• History of atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, heart or peripheral vascular disease and tobacco use are all associated with AAA formation.

Treatments

SMALL AAAS (LESS THAN 5 CM IN DIAMETER)

Have a very low risk of rupturing, but should be watched.

• It’s important to have an ultrasound test every 6–12 months to monitor for aneurysm growth and risk of rupture.
• Lifestyle changes that help control blood pressure and medication may help you.
• If you smoke, ask your vascular surgeon to help you find a smoking cessation program that will work for you.
• Daily exercise is also beneficial.

LARGER (MORE THAN 5.0–5.5 CM IN DIAMETER) rapidly enlarging and AAAs causing symptoms are usually repaired.
Open surgery requires placement of a prosthetic graft.

• The vascular surgeon accesses the affected portion of the aortic artery through an incision in your abdomen.
• Most patients stay in the hospital 4–10 days. Recovery time may be up to 3 months.

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a less invasive treatment.

• Two small groin incisions are made. Guided by X-ray imaging, the vascular surgeon introduces a tiny device into the artery. The device is used to reinforce the artery wall and exclude the aneurysm.
• Most patients stay in the hospital 1–3 days. Recovery time is shorter than with open surgery. 

Prevent 

Ways to help prevent include; not smoking, knowing family history, exercise regular, maintaining an healthy weight, low sodium diet, and monitoring your cholesterol and blood pressure.