About Aneurysms
AAA: The Silent Killer
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are the 13th leading cause of death in the United States where each year over 18,000 people die from ruptured aneurysms. It is the tenth leading cause of death for men older than 55.
Aneurysms are known as the silent killer since in many cases there are no warning signs and rupture often results in death.
The latest statistics suggest that the fatality rate is approximately 80%, of which three quarters die before reaching the emergency room.
In contrast, the fatality rate is less than 10% for patients who are treated electively.
Based on recent research, including data presented in two articles in the British Journal of Surgery, aneurysms are believed to be the result of an inflammatory process which results in a weakened portion of the artery wall, leading to abnormal dilation of the vessel.
