Doctor explains ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM (AAA) | Symptoms, risk factors, treatment, screening.

In this video you will learn key things you need to know about an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, also known as a triple A (AAA); including a definition, symptoms, risk factors, treatment options and NHS screening.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from the heart down through the chest and tummy.
An AAA can be dangerous if it is not spotted early on.
It can get bigger over time and could burst (rupture), causing life-threatening bleeding. CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES if this happens.
Screening for AAA is routinely offered by the NHS to all men aged 65 and over.
Women aged 70 or over, who have underlying risk factors such as high blood pressure, may also be advised to attend screening for AAA.
Further information via NHS website:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/abdomin...
Information from patientinfo.co.uk:
patient.info/heart-health/abd...
Stop smoking services in UK:
www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit...
UK BMI calculator:
www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-...
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Disclaimer:
The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn't designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O’Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O’Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. This is an EDUCATIONAL video. Images are used in accordance with fair use guidelines.
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Content provided via KZbin is for general information purposes ONLY. Information videos are not produced to provide individualised medical advice. Medical education videos on Doctor O'Donovan are not a substitute for professional professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. NEVER ignore professional medical advice because of something you have heard here. ALWAYS consult your doctor regarding any concerns about your condition or treatment.

[@lindawright1366]

My husband just diagnosed with AAA and this was very clear and helpful.

[@DoctorODonovan]

Wishing him the best. Glad the video was informative

[@TheFrankieb84]

Thank you for explaining it all! I'm 39 years old, female, and i only got scanned due to blue lips, randomly would happen and pals of my hand would suddenly show all the bright blue veins?! I had 3 days with ECG then scanned me, i got told via letter i have enlarged ascending aorta 3.4cm, they will monitor it in 3 years?! I haven't even been told do's and don'ts like you explained!! So thank you, its helped me a lot, i appreciate it!

[@liliaferguson7573]

Thank you for this video Dr. Donovan. Very interesting.

[@pursmon]

Very helpful , clear and concise

[@DoctorODonovan]

Thanks Monty

[@lilystonne4108]

I have a friend who has AAA. In addition to AAA she has other serious medical conditions. Her doctors has been monitoring her for many years. Now it has become an urgent situation. She can’t have surgery for AAA because of her general poor health but if nothing is done the swelling site might burst. At this time, the doctors are proposing an experimental procedure. She has been scheduled for tests. Also, if she is okay to proceed they still have to get approval from the hospital. It is such a tense time for my friend and her husband.

[@DoctorODonovan]

Hi Lily. I am very sorry to hear about your friend. I hope she’s ok and will be thinking of her. Wishing you and your friend the best. I hope this video was informative. Dr O’Donovan

[@Emmoxxs]

Hello how is your friend doing? Did she have surgery after all??My mom is currently in the same situation.. has many health problems & surgery is extremely risky for her 😢

[@lilystonne4108]

@@Emmoxxs I am afraid that things are not looking good for my friend. She was optimistic about the possibility of getting the new treatment earlier but I don’t think that it is going to happen. I don’t know whether it is her poor health that is making her ineligible for the treatment or there is a problem with getting the procedure approved but I don’t want to appear too inquisitive. I believe that her condition is deteriorating since she has declined to attend one of the birthday lunches that we host for each other. We are a group of 4 friends (all in our 70’s now) who have known each other since high school, and we have been doing birthday lunches for decades. That is why I believe that her health situation is rather dire. Thanks for asking. I hope your mother is faring better than my friend.

[@eakherenow]

The best presentation on tripleA on utube

[@DoctorODonovan]

Ah thank you so much

[@zildaemanuel5001]

Thank you for the advice very informative interesting information.

[@DoctorODonovan]

Thank you Zilda

[@siuyinng8374]

Thank you for sharing, very interesting 🪻

[@DoctorODonovan]

Thanks for visiting

[@raypersaud8389]

Thank you for your informative video, this is very helpful, cheers

[@DoctorODonovan]

You’re most welcome

[@patrickmarshall7423]

Very informative thank you

[@DoctorODonovan]

Thanks Patrick all the best

[@SwtykosChannel]

Thank you for sharing

[@DoctorODonovan]

My pleasure

[@stacytran1435]

Thank you so much!

[@DoctorODonovan]

You’re very welcome

[@asmahassan2247]

Thank you doctor donovan ❤ i watched ur vedios nd understand alot

[@DoctorODonovan]

Thank you Asma. That’s very kind of you

[@jellis333j7]

Thank you Good information

[@DoctorODonovan]

Welcome

[@marimaria9966]

Thank you 👍

[@DoctorODonovan]

You are welcome

[@kandiceblu1]

My mother was a drinker and I think that's what ultimately did her in with this I think drinking is a big factor in as well also as I recall she had intense slower back pain off and on for a very long time and doctors never found it and she did have high blood pressure and she was a former smoker...

[@ryuuproductions1]

My mom passed back in September from an AAA rupture. She was only 63 but she ticked off pretty much everything risk factor. Heavy smoker, high blood pressure and cholesterol, stroke (which left her partially paralyzed 10 yrs ago) and strokes do run in her family. She also had bladder cancer and was early stage kidney disease. All things considered, I'm sad, but I think this was the best way for her to go.

[@thesaucyRN]

Sorry for your loss 😢❤

[@selcukkaya5374]

👍thank you.

[@dundeeecroc]

Getting my CT scan or MRI soon, mine is 5mm and I am athletically fit, I workout, walk 7 miles a day at work and around town, lots of water/ coffee using only 1 pack of natural sugar, venison diet, some greens and fruit... beer on weekends.... and I am 59 years of age and a male.

[@Jason-un9ps]

How did you find out you had it? Any symptoms?

[@NortheastToolRentalsandlandsca]

What is the difference between a non-aneurysm, abdominal aorta versus a aneurysm abdominal aorta?

[@aisham3102]

My brother is on his third surgery due to Marfan. The second surgery, he had a foot amputated and in February, had the AAA surgery and has since unable to walk. I just need help and looking for a community of people who can help us - he feels so alone, not knowing if he'll ever walk again nor can anyone relate to what he is going through. Would you be willing to connect with him, just to share your thoughts and recovery victory?

[@athinameleti1738]

My mothers got diagnosed for a 43-44 mm abdominal aneurysm! It’s benn stable though for 4 years now! I’m so terrified though! She survived a raptured brain aneurysm and now this thing again! Pls doctor I would like your opinion!

[@abhilashapatel3335]

Sir. Can AAA cause bleeding or clotted blood from mouth, Having chest ache .Or having aorta pulse sensation more than the heart...??

[@markboudreaux868]

I was diagnosed with AAA and my PCP is keeping and eye on it it was 4.1 cms he said if it gets to 5.5 cms I would need the procedure 👍

[@DoctorODonovan]

Hope this video was informative

[@2studEE]

Do you have any educational videos on coronary artery aneurysms or are they the same as aortic aneruysms?

[@ICU306]

That’s would be interesting because they’re aneurysms on the coronaries themselves

[@georgehimon1445]

I have one in the abdominal,I love doing crunches of the bed with a weighted dumbbell it swells and looks like a mouse under the skin I can't get it to burst ,I'll try higher reps and more weights, 🤔😳thanks. For informing of symptoms.

[@lilystonne4108]

I am not a doctor but isn’t bursting it dangerous? My unfortunate friend has been waiting for a treatment that would fix it before it bursts. She was told that she could die from bleeding internally if it bursts. Just ignore my ramblings if your doctor thinks you’re okay.

[@sandraguthrie276]

That is dangerous and lethal. I’m a former Oncology nurse. I think you are confused. You need to see your doctor.

[@ronaldprovencher7570]

What if you have two Aneurysm at the same time .. Abdominal aortic aneurysm without rupture (CMS-HCC) Thoracic aortic aneurysm without rupture (CMS/HCC) that are increasing in size ?

[@ronaldprovencher7570]

I am giving them away .. i have a upper and a lower witch one do you want ?

[@Nyathalie_Efheart]

Ive had all those 3 first symptoms you mentioned first since December, I've been to the doctor alot but they haven't figured out what it is, i think its cuz im young they havent bothered checking for this. Im going to demand an ultrasound

[@Nyathalie_Efheart]

Btw, the pulse I've felt in my stomach has been very strong, like I'm laying the hand directly on a heart. I'm a smoker, and my grandpa had AAA. I started having all these symptoms after I had covid for the first time in early December

[@Nyathalie_Efheart]

Well, it wasn't that, my aorta is even small for being an adult lol

[@AmbotNemu]

You have screening for aaa maam?

[@Nyathalie_Efheart]

Yeah I did one

[@AmbotNemu]

Whats your diagnosis maam?indigestion,stomach gas(gastritis)acidic or anxiety..

[@MegaMikeylikes]

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics because these antibiotics inhibit collagen type 1 and 3 synthesis can have these develop more so in the abdomen that supply the blood flow to the Colon. Many our support group members had passed not knowing they had these, our Admin discovered his at 4.1 CM's while trying to treat his constipation. The iron and magnesium also getting chelated out of the cell.

[@cleocatra9324]

My very good friend had this in England was not diagnosed properly or treated in a timely fashion sadly he passed away. Is it difficult to pinpoint?

[@DoctorODonovan]

Sorry to hear this.

[@migzrockz11]

Good day! I have some helpful question, are there any supplements to prevent or at least reduce the risk? Thanks a lot

[@DoctorODonovan]

Not that I'm aware of... please see the links in the description box for more information

[@jellis333j7]

I looked this up on google and there doesn’t seem to be anything for this in natural alternative treatments

[@migzrockz11]

@@jellis333j7 I found something, it seems B vitamin and vitamin zinc reduces the growth according to new studies

[@juliedean8897]

My Mum has one, she's too frail to have surgery. Mum has a lot of pain. Mum's had strokes and is a VERY heavy smoker.

[@basilfaulty6895]

Hi Dr , I'm recovering from having 5 stents put in my heart arteries , but have also been getting pain in my Back ( kidney area) since before my Heart attack . If I had AAA do you think this would have been picked up on during my chest scans or blood test at the time when I was in Hostpital ,three weeks ago?

[@DoctorODonovan]

Thank you so much for watching the video and taking time to leave a comment. Unfortunately (and I know this will be frustrating for you), I am unable to give individual medical advice out on this channel. This is because of medico-legal reasons, not knowing your full case, circumstances, and it would be unethical of me to do so otherwise. I have included the general resources I used to make this video in the description box but I have to advise that you speak to your own health provider (e.g. doctor, nurse) so that they can properly assess your case. This is the safest and most ethical advice I can give since this is just intended as a general educational resource. Thanks for understanding.

[@jochimbenschneider1915]

And most of the time those bad symptoms when happening means it’s too late unless you are close to a hospital. If you sense any mild symptoms as he said do not fool around. Get your loved one to the hospital asap. You can probably save them in that case.

[@tracyyoung8734]

As an ambulance officer who attended a AAA 2 days ago, I would highly agree. Our patient died within 48 hours of our call out. He was 67 and only presented with sudden onset thoraco-lumbar back ache. If in doubt, please get a check up with your local GP/ or attend hospital as soon as possible.

[@sillyguyfunnyman]

i understand that a pulsing stomach can be normal, especially as i am 23. but i am 190 lbs and a smoker, and the pulse is visible 24/7. there is no pain, nausea, discomfort, no high blood pressure, etc. i’ve been to urgent care (no scan was performed, but a physical exam was) and was told an aneurysm was unlikely, but i still worry endlessly about the pulsing. would it be wise to go to the hospital or not? i live in america and the cost of healthcare is the biggest thing keeping me from going. what would you do?

[@Shezadahmad9165]

Did you get tested?

[@sillyguyfunnyman]

@@Shezadahmad9165 yes, but they couldn’t feel a pulsating mass so they didn’t order an ultrasound it’s still present, but no complications if it’s any consolation, i did get diagnosed with OCD and health anxiety since making this comment, so it may be completely normal

[@BigSpuds]

if ive got the pulsating in left side of my stomach feels like little heart beat its just come on today out of no where is i best going ro AE stright away

[@bhaveshsharma8422]

HW r u now buddy, your symptoms resolved?

[@Alyy4]

Two month ago I did a scan because I was getting checked for my stomach nausea and stomach sickness after meals also esophagus pain . Do they check arteries too in that sort of check ? I have pulsing under my lower left rip cage comes and goes I felt it was a bit strong right after I woke up today I’m worried it is something related and stomach was diagnosed with indigestion from stool test on itopride type of medication that helps with digestion

[@Afroacend]

Did you manage it to get checked out I also have pulsating in my stomach

[@Alyy4]

@@Afroacend I was just at two hospitals it should be en eco it has to be in a heart clinic and doctors isn’t there at this hour but nurses say the heart drawing is ok and emergency doctor say if you want to make sure do an eco

[@bhaveshsharma8422]

​@@Alyy4hw r u now. I can also feel pulse under left rib cage while lying after exercise

[@Alyy4]

@@bhaveshsharma8422 do you vape if so quit it was the reason for my pulsating other than stomach gastric issues

[@f51t50p]

Can it be caused by prolonged IV heroin use? I used for 10 years before i got clean. Im 29 and have ive had blood pessure problems and dizziness when i stand up for years but here recently my heart has been palpating almost constantly and i can see my pulse in my neck and in my stomach also i can feel my heartbeat when i feel just under my naval throbbing while having palpations. I have no insurance and already owe hospitals more than i make in a few years. Idk if it is anxiety or what but it is directly under my belly button. I know you probably cant give advice but idk where to turn i have no vehicle, money, and i live in the woods and now that i know it could be what is wrong im terrified bc i woule be long dead before anyone could get to me if it ruptured.

[@taylort6064]

you can go to the hospital anyway, they have to treat you anyway due to a law.. If you cant afford it you can still go and not pay

[@Jason-un9ps]

I'm in the same exact boat. I've recently noticed an extremely hard heart beat right near my belly button. Absolutely paranoid about the damage I may have caused from that bs

[@tammydusenberry5246]

I have been diagnosed with AAA 1 year ago 3.5cm I am 48f I have been reading that AAA is more aggressive in women and grows faster but my doc said I only need to be seen 1x a year at this point. I am so confused. I know you can’t tell me much but any info on women and AAA would be appreciated

[@jochimbenschneider1915]

Just go to a good cardiologist and have US done and possibly other tests each year or less and monitor the size. You might be fine for many years but only monitored by a good Doctor can tell you. Don’t delay. Just go get it checked out. The tests don’t hurt you. Dying from this is awful and painful.

[@tammydusenberry5246]

I have a wonderful vascular surgeon

[@r2488]

How did they diagnose you? Did they feel it on a physical exam?

[@tammydusenberry5246]

@@r2488 it was found when i had a CAT scan on my neck. It was found accidentally but thank God it was found

[@ronmiller682]

My father has a infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. His 6.7 cm that they found during a Ct scan on his bladder. That would be considered a large aneurysm correct ? And need surgery soon ?

[@DoctorODonovan]

I am sorry Ron but for medico-legal and ethical reasons I can't give individual clinical advice on this channel. This is designed as a general education channel. Please consult your doctor or health provider for individual questions and concerns. I hope you found the video informative nontheless. Best wishes.

[@Life_for_farm]

sir please tell me if it can be cured without surgery ?)

[@DoctorODonovan]

Please see the references in the description box of the video.

[@WheelerRickRambles]

In the ER…just had a scan and they said I’ve got one of these.

[@-MakeItGood-]

Me too, about 3 days ago. Just went in with a hernia but found this.

[@AlanRoberts-qw4sh]

​Im going in tuesday.my back has been killing me so I went to er and xray revealed AAA..​@@-MakeItGood-

[@bhaveshsharma8422]

​@@-MakeItGood-how are you guys doing now

[@enriquemaryam796]

Hello I am 17 years old I suffer from aortic aneurysm I feel a pulse in the abdomen and severe pain in the side of the abdomen I did bloody cupping in the abdomen but the pulse is still on me What I do 😊

[@roshanpillay9739]

First go to your doctor and get an opinion. Secondly its mostly gas or anxiety.

[@KingFisher06]

How do you feel about the pulse? Is it like in chest? or just like on the wrist?

[@CJB-]

AAA is hard to prevent, unlike many other chest conditions.

[@honeym6873]

I was 27 years old when I found out last year I had Dilated Aorta my blood vessel is bigger than it should be

[@5STARR_benny]

Hello I’m 16 recently my stomach started pumping and it bothers me when laying down but I don’t have any of the symptoms.only the stomach pumping and my stomach hurting a little bit.

[@KnewEyes1990]

Go to doctor, digestive issues can also cause your stomach to do that.

[@5STARR_benny]

@@KnewEyes1990 all right will do thanks 😁

[@KnewEyes1990]

@5STARR_benny Not a prob, if it's causing you worry definitely worth getting checked out : )

[@x4v13r_yt5]

I'm 15 and I feel the same way as you do although I do have some of the symptoms did you go see a doctor?

[@Sultan9735-p1p]

AAA can be reversed

[@x4v13r_yt5]

How I'm 14 and I think I have it based on some research I've done

[@ICU306]

Yep, with surgery!

[@McoSmithClan]

Can we please talk about how if you aren't a white man and you have symptoms, In America, they will give you any excuse to not believe you because how could you possibly understand medicine.

[@tinahunter8453]

I'm sorry you feel that the human skin color is the issue, it's not. Wishing you a wonderful doctor for your medical needs.

[@McoSmithClan]

@@tinahunter8453 I do not believe the skin color is the problem. I think the the fact that all of our medical knowledge is based on a white adult male. But thank you, I appreciate it