Abdominal aortic aneurysm, ruptured Save
ICD-10 code: I71.3
Chapter: Diseases of the circulatory system
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Ruptured
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a condition where the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body, becomes enlarged and weak. If left untreated, it can lead to a ruptured aneurysm, which is a life-threatening emergency.
AAA often has no symptoms, which is why it’s important to get screened if you are at risk. Risk factors include being over 65 years old, male, smoking, having high blood pressure or a family history of AAA.
If you have a ruptured AAA, you may experience sudden and severe pain in your abdomen, back or groin. You may also feel dizzy, faint or short of breath. It’s important to seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for a ruptured AAA typically involves surgery to repair the aneurysm. This can be done through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques such as endovascular repair.
During open surgery, the surgeon will make an incision in your abdomen and replace the weakened section of the aorta with a graft. Endovascular repair involves inserting a stent graft through a small incision in your groin and threading it up to the site of the aneurysm to reinforce the weakened area.
Prevention
The best way to prevent a ruptured AAA is to get screened if you are at risk. The screening is a simple ultrasound test that can be done in your doctor’s office. If an AAA is detected, your doctor can monitor it and recommend treatment if necessary.
In addition to getting screened, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and managing any underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure.
- Get screened if you are at risk
- Quit smoking
- Eat a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Manage underlying medical conditions
Conclusion
Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a serious condition that can lead to a ruptured aneurysm if left untreated. If you are at risk, it’s important to get screened and take steps to prevent the condition from developing. If you experience any symptoms of a ruptured AAA, seek emergency medical attention immediately.