Question 1

can a person with an abdominal aortic aneurysm lift weights safely?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If the AAA is below the threshold for repair (~5cm in men and ~4.5cm in women), then lifting weights is relatively safe. Once the aneurysm reaches the threshold for repair, it is safest to refrain from lifting heavy weights until the aneurysm is fixed. More importantly, regular surveillance with an ultrasound / ct angiogram as well as good blood pressure control is good medical management.

Question 2

funny how a diagnosis doesn't mean much till you have it. what is abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

Bulge in the aorta: The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body, carrying blood from the heart - to the internal organs - and the legs.  An aneurysm is a weakness in its wall.  It bulges out and may rupture with time.  Your doctor will tell you how big it is and if there are any other serious signs.  If small enough, it may not need surgery, but most over 5 cm do.

Question 3

what does a tortuous abdominal aortic aneurysm mean?

Accepted Answer

With twists/bends: The term "tortuous" simply means: full of twists, turns and bends. In medicine we use this to describe the pathway of veins or arteries. When either veins or arteries "grow" to become varicose veins or aneurysms, not only do they grow in diameter, but also in length. As they grow longer, they start bending and twisting to accommodate and "fit" into the same body.

Question 4

can you diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysm with a stethoscope?

Accepted Answer

Not typically: Abdominal aortic aneurysms, when large enough, can sometimes be felt by pressing on the abdomen. This feels like a very prominent pulse in the abdomen, which cannot be typically felt in most people (unless you're really thin). Sometimes an aortic aneurysm may produce a sound that can be picked up by a stethoscope, but this is unlikely and not typical at all. Consult a vascular surgeon.

Question 5

what are the odds really of a 16 yearold getting abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

Pretty low: Unless he/she has a congenital malformation or predisposition for aneurysm formation.  Abdominal aortic aneurysms, in general, is caused by atherosclerois and hypertension, both rare conditions at this age.

Question 6

how long can symptoms be present before a 10cm abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures?

Accepted Answer

Uncertain: Typically patient should have abdominal or back pain for months to years however one can be completely asymtomatic and have sudden pain in abdomen and back due to rupture.

Question 7

how long will symptoms be present before a 10cm abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures?

Accepted Answer

Varies -  get fixed!: Symptoms can include back pain, abdominal pain from the streching and pressure inside the aneurysm to surrounding tissues, "blue toe" syndrome ( pregangrene & gangrene )  from material inside the aneurysn "breaking off" & going downstream with blockage of lower leg/foot arteries. A 10 CM aneurysm should not be taken lightly & should be repaired soon. If ruptured, death rate is around 90%.

Question 8

can a person have pain with an abdominal aortic aneurysm before it actually ruptures?

Accepted Answer

Possible: There is a condition called a "contained rupture", which means the walls of the aorta have been violated however the leak is contained. This is certainly painful but is not a full blown rupture. Urgent repair is indicated. A ct angiogram helps to identify this.

Question 9

is it a bad idea for someone with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (aaa) to lift weights?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Extreme high blood pressure can induce rupture but of course also depending on the size , type/shape of the aneurysm . So small AAA less than 4 cm rarely rupture less than 1% . Ask you medical doctor and avoid very heavy excercise if your aneurysm is big.

Question 10

would a regular abdominal xray be able to see an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

No, need ultrasound: An abdominal x ray doesn't show blood vessels so it's not used to detect aneurysms. An abdominal ultrasound is usually done to screen for aortic aneurysms. Men who have ever smoked are advised to have an abdominal ultrasound between the ages of 65 and 75.

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Doctor answers about:

Will an abdominal aortic aneurysm make you tired

A member asked:

Can a person with an abdominal aortic aneurysm lift weights safely?

A member asked:

Funny how a diagnosis doesn't mean much till you have it. what is abdominal aortic aneurysm?

A member asked:

What does a tortuous abdominal aortic aneurysm mean?

A member asked:

Can you diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysm with a stethoscope?

A member asked:

What are the odds really of a 16 yearold getting abdominal aortic aneurysm?

A member asked:

How long can symptoms be present before a 10cm abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures?

A member asked:

How long will symptoms be present before a 10cm abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures?

A member asked:

Can a person have pain with an abdominal aortic aneurysm before it actually ruptures?

A member asked:

Is it a bad idea for someone with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (aaa) to lift weights?

A member asked:

Would a regular abdominal xray be able to see an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

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