What Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when a section of the aorta weakens and bulges. The aorta, the body’s largest artery, carries blood from the heart. As the arterial wall weakens, the aneurysm can enlarge over time.

Many AAAs grow slowly and may not cause symptoms initially. If the aneurysm grows too large, it may rupture—a medical emergency needing immediate care.

Several factors raise AAA risk. Smoking is most common. Other risks include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, age, obesity, family history, and being male. In some cases, inherited connective tissue disorders weaken blood vessels, increasing the risk of aneurysms.

Symptoms

An abdominal aortic aneurysm may not show symptoms until it grows larger. When symptoms appear, they can include abdominal or back pain, a pulsating sensation near the belly button, or sudden, severe pain in emergency situations.

• Pain in the abdomen, back, or side
• A pulsing feeling near the belly button
• Deep or steady abdominal discomfort
• Sudden severe back or stomach pain in emergency situations

How Is It Diagnosed?

Healthcare providers may discover an abdominal aortic aneurysm during imaging tests performed for another reason. To diagnose an AAA, your provider reviews your medical history, performs a physical exam, and orders imaging tests.

Common tests include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI
• Angiography

These tests measure aneurysm size and help determine whether treatment is needed.

How Is It Treated?

Treatment depends on the aneurysm size, growth rate, and symptoms.

Small aneurysms may need regular monitoring with imaging tests. Your provider might also recommend lifestyle changes to lower your risk of complications, including:

• Quitting smoking
• Managing blood pressure
• Controlling cholesterol and diabetes
• Staying physically active
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Medications may also help reduce strain on the blood vessels.

If the aneurysm becomes large, grows rapidly, or causes symptoms, surgery may be recommended. Treatment options include open surgical repair or minimally invasive endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). EVAR often allows for a shorter recovery time and smaller incisions than open surgery.

After treatment, regular follow-up visits and imaging are important for monitoring your recovery and long-term vascular health.