An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlarged area in the lower part of
the aorta, the major blood vessel that supplies blood to the body. The
aorta, about the thickness of a garden hose, runs from your heart
through the center of your chest and abdomen. Because the aorta is the
body's main supplier of blood, a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can
cause life-threatening bleeding.
Depending on the size and rate at which your abdominal aortic aneurysm
is growing, treatment may vary from watchful waiting to emergency
surgery. Once an abdominal aortic aneurysm is found, doctors will
closely monitor it so that surgery can be planned if it's necessary.
Emergency surgery for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can be risky.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms often grow slowly and usually without
symptoms, making them difficult to detect. Some aneurysms will never
rupture. Many start small and stay small, although many expand over
time. Others expand quickly. Predicting how fast an abdominal aortic
aneurysm may enlarge is difficult.
As an abdominal aortic aneurysm enlarges, some people may notice:
- A pulsating feeling near the navel
- Deep, constant pain in your abdomen or on the side of your abdomen
- Back pain
When to see a doctor
You should see your doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
Anyone age 60 and older who has risk factors for developing an abdominal
aortic aneurysm, such as smoking or a family history of abdominal
aortic aneurysm, should consider regular screening for the condition.
Because being male and smoking significantly increase the risk of
abdominal aortic aneurysm, men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked
cigarettes should have a one-time screening for abdominal aortic
aneurysm using abdominal ultrasound.
If you have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm, your doctor
may recommend an ultrasound exam to screen for the condition.
There are no specific screening recommendations for women. Ask your
doctor if you need to have an ultrasound screening based on your risk
factors.