01/12/2024
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.
SYMPTOMS
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 ci******es 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.
