Experts warn of abdominal aortic aneurysm

A bigger waistline is often blamed on weight gain, belly fat, or bloating — but health experts caution it could also signal a life-threatening condition called abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

AAA happens when the main artery in the abdomen enlarges or bulges. If it ruptures, it can trigger massive internal bleeding and death within minutes.

The Philippine Heart Association (PHA), in a public advisory Wednesday, warned that most AAAs grow silently, showing no symptoms until they are dangerously large.

Warning signs, when present, may include unexplained tummy enlargement, persistent stomach or back pain, or a pulsating sensation in the abdomen.

Risk is highest among men over 60, smokers, those with a family history of aneurysms, and people with high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

While men are up to five times more likely to develop AAA, women with risk factors are also vulnerable.

Diagnosis is done through a CT scan aortogram, while treatment options include open surgical repair or endovascular repair, a less invasive procedure.

Experts advise the public to avoid smoking and alcohol, maintain healthy blood pressure, and keep LDL (“bad cholesterol”) levels low by limiting foods rich in saturated and trans fats such as pork fat, processed meats, instant noodles, and chips.

Regular exercise and cholesterol-lowering medication like statins, if prescribed, can also help manage risks.

The Philippines joins the global observance of AAA Awareness Month this September to stress the importance of early detection and prevention of this silent but deadly condition.