Abdominal aortic aneurysms are known as “ticking time bombs” in the human body. In the early stages or when the diameter of the aneurysm is small, patients usually have no obvious symptoms. However, once the aneurysm ruptures, it can be life-threatening. Einstein and Li Siguang both died from this bomb. So, what are the serious dangers of this bomb? A. Dangerous signs – “5cm” or “fast expansion” A normal abdominal aortic vessel has a diameter of about 1.5cM to 1.8cm, more than double that value is This is called an aneurysm. If it continues to expand, approaching 4 or 5 cm or more, then the risk is high. The current international standard is that if the aneurysm is close to 5cm, or if the aneurysm is less than 5cm, but the expansion rate is faster, increasing by 7mm in half a year, then it is more dangerous. The most serious hazard – aneurysm rupture The most serious hazard of abdominal aortic aneurysm is aneurysm rupture, which is like a “time bomb” buried in the body, once it ruptures, it will cause serious internal bleeding, and about 50% of the patients are often too late to be treated. It can cause hemorrhagic shock and even death in a short time. According to statistics, 80% of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms eventually die from aneurysm rupture, and even those who survive the surgery have a postoperative mortality rate of 40% to 70%. Arterial embolism is another serious complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm that threatens life and health. The reason for this is that the dilated artery wall will be adhered to many attached thrombus, these thrombus blocks can be blocked with the blood flow to the arteries supplying other organs, causing the corresponding organ ischemia, such as blocking to the lower limb artery can cause acute lower limb ischemia, and serious cases can lead to limb necrosis; such as blocking to the mesenteric artery, can cause acute intestinal necrosis. Doctor’s tip: Although the clinical standard for surgical treatment is 5 cm in diameter, even if the aneurysm is small, there is still a possibility of acute rupture. Therefore, patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms should not rely on the size of the aneurysm alone to determine whether or not to operate, but should seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine the treatment plan by the doctor’s comprehensive judgment.