Ask the Heart Doctor | Understanding Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

A panel of Cleveland Clinic specialists discusses the risk factors, screening, monitoring, and surgical treatment options for abdominal aortic aneurysms.

For more information about abdominal aortic aneurysms, please visit cle.clinic/4rtsEux If you’ve been diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, you may wonder how serious it is, what activities are safe and whether you’ll eventually need treatment. In this Ask the Heart Doctor video, Cleveland Clinic specialists answer common questions about abdominal aortic aneurysms and what patients should know about their care. Learn about risk factors and screening, how aneurysms are monitored and when treatment may be considered. The multidisciplinary panel also discusses open surgery and less invasive treatment options, staying active with an aneurysm and the importance of continued follow-up. Plus, learn which warning signs, including sudden severe abdominal or back pain, require immediate medical attention. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Meet the aortic experts 01:40 What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm? 02:57 Causes and risk factors 06:19 Family history and genetics 07:58 Living with an aneurysm: Activity and lifestyle 12:42 When surgery is needed 14:11 Open vs. endovascular repair 18:34 Screening guidelines: Who should get checked 20:31 After repair: Monitoring and next steps 22:19 Innovations in aortic care and research 26:50 Why choose Cleveland Clinic 30:05 Recognizing aortic rupture and emergency signs 32:04 Final thoughts Learn more about our heart experts: Vascular Surgeon Francis Caputo, MD - cle.clinic/3K60Uuv Cardiologist/Vascular Medicine Provider Scott Cameron, MD, PhD - cle.clinic/4grgE7z Vascular Cardiologist Pulkit Chaudhury, MD - cle.clinic/3ImBxnN Vascular Surgeon Ali Khalifeh, MD - cle.clinic/46eFrHq Vascular Surgeon Courtney Hanak, MD - cle.clinic/4m1ESqe Like this video? Hit like and subscribe for more! #clevelandclinic #asktheheartdoctor #aorticaneurysm #aorticdisease