Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is an abnormal enlargement or bulging of the abdominal part of the aorta, the body’s largest artery. The aorta carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body and passes through the chest and abdomen. An AAA may develop gradually without causing noticeable symptoms. However, if the aneurysm becomes large, grows rapidly, or ruptures, it can cause severe internal bleeding and become life-threatening. Early detection, appropriate monitoring, and timely medical care can help reduce the risk of serious complications. Important: Sudden and severe abdominal or back pain, particularly when accompanied by dizziness, fainting, weakness, or collapse, requires immediate emergency medical attention.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when a weakened area of the abdominal aorta becomes enlarged or bulges outward. The aorta is a strong, flexible blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart. When part of its wall becomes weakened, the pressure of blood flowing through the artery can cause that section to gradually enlarge. An AAA may remain small and stable for years, while some aneurysms increase in size over time. The risk of rupture generally increases as an aneurysm becomes larger. Not every abdominal aortic aneurysm requires immediate treatment. The appropriate approach depends on factors such as the aneurysm’s size, growth rate, symptoms, shape, location, and the person’s overall health.
Many people with an abdominal aortic aneurysm have no symptoms. An AAA may therefore be discovered incidentally during an ultrasound, CT scan, or another imaging test performed for a different reason. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
Persistent or recurring abdominal pain
A feeling of pulsation or throbbing in the abdomen
Lower back pain
Pain in the side or abdomen
A feeling of pressure or fullness in the abdomen
These symptoms are not specific to AAA and can occur with many other medical conditions. A healthcare professional should evaluate persistent, unexplained, or worsening abdominal or back pain.
A ruptured AAA is a medical emergency and can cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Possible symptoms include:
Sudden and severe abdominal pain
Sudden and severe lower back pain
Pain that may spread to the back, side, or groin
Dizziness or light-headedness
Fainting or loss of consciousness
Sudden weakness
Pale, cold, or clammy skin
Rapid heartbeat
Very low blood pressure
Collapse
A person with a known or suspected AAA who develops sudden severe abdominal or back pain should receive emergency medical care immediately. Do not wait for the symptoms to improve on their own.
The exact cause of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is not always known.
AAA may develop because of weakening of the aortic wall over time. Several factors can contribute to this weakening, including age-related changes, smoking, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, genetic factors, and certain conditions affecting blood vessels or connective tissue. Possible contributing factors include:
Smoking or previous tobacco use
High blood pressure
Atherosclerosis
Abnormal cholesterol levels
Increasing age
Family history of AAA
Certain inherited connective-tissue disorders
Previous injury to the aorta
Certain inflammatory or infectious conditions affecting blood vessels
Having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will definitely develop an AAA.
Smoking is one of the most important modifiable risk factors associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm. Tobacco exposure can damage blood vessels and is associated with the development and progression of AAA. Stopping smoking is an important step toward improving overall cardiovascular health.
Long-term high blood pressure can place additional stress on artery walls and contribute to vascular damage. People with hypertension should follow appropriate medical advice to keep their blood pressure under control.
Having a close family member with an abdominal aortic aneurysm may increase a person’s risk. If AAA runs in your family, discuss your family history with a healthcare professional.
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty deposits and other substances build up within artery walls. It is associated with several cardiovascular conditions and may also be associated with AAA.
An AAA may be suspected based on a person’s symptoms, medical history, physical examination, or risk factors. Imaging is generally required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the size and characteristics of the aneurysm.
An abdominal ultrasound is a commonly used, non-invasive test for detecting and measuring an abdominal aortic aneurysm. It does not involve radiation and can often provide useful information about the size of the abdominal aorta.
A computed tomography (CT) scan can provide detailed images of the aorta and surrounding structures. CT imaging may be used when more detailed information about an aneurysm is needed.
CT angiography provides detailed images of blood vessels and can help doctors understand the anatomy of an aneurysm. It may be particularly useful when planning an endovascular or surgical procedure. The most appropriate investigation depends on the person’s symptoms, medical history, and clinical circumstances.
The size of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is an important factor in determining its risk and management. Healthcare professionals may consider:
The maximum diameter of the aneurysm
Whether it is increasing in size
How quickly it is growing
Whether symptoms are present
The shape and location of the aneurysm
The person’s age and overall health
Other cardiovascular risk factors
Small aneurysms may be monitored periodically with imaging. Larger, symptomatic, or rapidly enlarging aneurysms may require specialist assessment and possible repair. The decision about treatment should always be made by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
If the weakened section of the aorta tears or ruptures, blood can escape rapidly into the surrounding tissues or abdominal cavity. A ruptured AAA can result in:
Blood clots can sometimes develop inside an aneurysm. In some circumstances, pieces of clot may break away and travel through the bloodstream, potentially blocking smaller blood vessels.
Treatment depends on several factors, including the size of the aneurysm, whether it is growing, whether symptoms are present, the risk of rupture, and the person’s general health.
Small aneurysms that do not require immediate repair may be monitored with regular medical assessments and imaging. The purpose of monitoring is to detect significant changes in the aneurysm and determine whether treatment may become necessary. The frequency of follow-up imaging varies according to the individual circumstances and should be determined by the treating healthcare professional.
People with AAA may be advised to address cardiovascular risk factors. Depending on their individual circumstances, this may include:
Stopping smoking
Maintaining healthy blood pressure
Managing cholesterol
Managing diabetes when present
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Following a balanced diet
Taking appropriate physical activity as advised by a healthcare professional
People diagnosed with AAA should discuss exercise and lifestyle changes with their healthcare professional, particularly if the aneurysm is large or symptomatic.
Some abdominal aortic aneurysms may require repair because of their size, symptoms, growth, or other factors that increase the risk of rupture. One approach is open surgical repair, in which the affected portion of the aorta is repaired using a surgical graft.
Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a less invasive procedure in which a stent-graft is inserted through a blood vessel, usually through the groin, and positioned inside the aorta. The stent-graft helps reinforce the weakened section of the aorta and redirects blood flow through the graft.
Not every aneurysm is suitable for EVAR. The anatomy of the aneurysm and the person’s overall health are important factors in deciding which treatment is appropriate. A vascular specialist can explain the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives.
A person with a suspected or diagnosed AAA may be evaluated by one or more healthcare specialists depending on their condition. The main specialist involved is generally a:
A vascular surgeon specialises in diseases affecting blood vessels and can assess an abdominal aortic aneurysm and determine whether monitoring, endovascular repair, or open surgery may be appropriate.
Other specialists may also become involved when required, including:
Vascular medicine specialist
Interventional radiologist
Cardiologist
Other specialists involved in managing associated medical conditions
Not all abdominal aortic aneurysms can be prevented. Age, family history, and certain genetic factors cannot be changed.
However, reducing cardiovascular risk factors may help support overall blood-vessel health.
Important measures include:
Do not smoke, and seek help to stop smoking if necessary
Maintain healthy blood pressure
Manage cholesterol as advised by a healthcare professional
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a balanced diet
Remain physically active according to your health status
Manage diabetes if present
Attend recommended medical check-ups
Tell your healthcare professional if you have a family history of AAA
Screening recommendations vary between countries and may depend on factors such as age, sex, smoking history, and family history. Abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to screen for an abdominal aortic aneurysm in people for whom screening is recommended. If you believe that you may be at increased risk of AAA, speak with a qualified healthcare professional about whether screening is appropriate for you.
Being diagnosed with a small AAA does not necessarily mean that an aneurysm will rupture or that immediate surgery will be required. Many small aneurysms are monitored over time. If you have been diagnosed with an AAA:
Attend your recommended follow-up appointments
Have imaging performed as advised
Follow medical advice regarding blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors
Avoid smoking
Discuss appropriate physical activity with your healthcare professional
Take prescribed medicines as directed
Report new or worsening symptoms promptly
Do not stop prescribed medicines or make major changes to your treatment without speaking with your healthcare professional.
Yes. An abdominal aortic aneurysm can sometimes cause lower back pain. However, back pain has many possible causes, so it cannot by itself confirm the presence of an aneurysm.
No. Some small aneurysms can be monitored regularly. Repair may be considered when an aneurysm reaches a certain level of risk, becomes symptomatic, or grows significantly. The decision is individualised by a healthcare professional.
A vascular surgeon is the key specialist for evaluating and managing AAA. Other specialists may be involved depending on the person’s overall health and associated conditions.
Not every AAA can be prevented. However, avoiding smoking and managing cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol can support vascular health.
The information provided by Mymediland is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Abdominal aortic aneurysm can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Information on this page should not be used to diagnose or treat yourself or another person.If you have symptoms that may indicate a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention or contact your local emergency medical service. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and personalised medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medicine or treatment based solely on information published on Mymediland.
