PHA warns: Growing waistline may signal deadly artery condition

A bigger waistline is often blamed on weight gain or bloating, but health experts warn it may also point to a life-threatening condition called abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

In a recent public advisory, the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) said AAA occurs when the abdominal aorta—the body’s main artery in the abdomen—bulges or enlarges. If it ruptures, it can cause massive internal bleeding and death within minutes.

Most AAAs develop silently without symptoms, often going undetected until they enlarge or rupture. Warning signs may include unexplained abdominal enlargement or lump, persistent stomach or back pain, and a pulsating feeling in the abdomen.

Smokers, people with high blood pressure or cholesterol, and those with a family history of aneurysms face higher risk. Men over 60 are up to five times more likely to develop AAA than women, although women with risk factors remain vulnerable.

Diagnosis can be done through a CT scan aortogram, while treatment options include open surgery or minimally invasive endovascular repair.

The PHA urged the public to avoid smoking, maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and watch out for unusual abdominal changes. High low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol also raises the risk of AAA and other cardiovascular diseases.

To lower LDL, health experts recommend cutting back on foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as pork fat, processed meats, instant noodles, and chips. Regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and taking prescribed statins can also help.

The Philippines is joining the global observance of AAA Awareness Month this September to raise awareness on early detection and prevention of this silent but deadly disease.