Where is abdominal aortic aneurysm

Aneurysms can form in any blood vessel in your body. However, AAAs are considered particularly serious because of the size of the aorta. Most aneurysms have no symptoms unless they rupture. If an AAA does rupture, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. A ruptured aneurysm can be life-threatening.

They may also check the blood flow in your legs or use one of the following tests:. Depending on the size and exact location of the aneurysm, your doctor may perform surgery to repair or remove the damaged tissue.

This may be done either with open abdominal surgery or endovascular surgery. The surgery performed will depend on your overall health and the type of aneurysm. Open abdominal surgery is used to remove damaged areas of your aorta.

Open abdominal surgery may be necessary if your aneurysm is very large or has already ruptured. Endovascular surgery is a less invasive form of surgery than open abdominal surgery.

It involves using a graft to stabilize the weakened walls of your aorta. If your doctor recommends open abdominal surgery, it may take up to six weeks to recover. Recovery from endovascular surgery only takes two weeks. The success of surgery and recovery greatly depends on whether or not the AAA is found before it ruptures. Prognosis is usually good if the AAA is found before it ruptures. Focusing on heart health can prevent an AAA.

This means watching what you eat, exercising, and avoiding other cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking. Your doctor might also prescribe medicines to treat high blood pressure or cholesterol or to help you control your diabetes.

The screening test uses an abdominal ultrasound to scan your aorta for bulges. What does abdominal bloating look like? Check out photos of abdominal bloating and read what may be causing your bloating and pain. Abdominal bloating…. If your intestine becomes blocked, fluid and digested food can't pass through. Learn more about bowel obstructions and intestinal blockages here.

Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Abdominal aortic aneurysm. LeFevre ML; U. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm: U. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med.

PMID: www. Abdominal aortic aneurysms: open surgical treatment. Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy.

Updated by: Mary C. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Editorial team. Factors that can increase your risk of having this problem include: Smoking High blood pressure Male sex Genetic factors An abdominal aortic aneurysm is most often seen in males over age 60 who have one or more risk factors. Symptoms of rupture include: Pain in the abdomen or back.

The pain may be severe, sudden, persistent, or constant. It may spread to the groin, buttocks, or legs. Passing out. Clammy skin. Nausea and vomiting. Rapid heart rate. Exams and Tests. Abdominal aortic aneurysm An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when a lower portion of the body's main artery aorta becomes weakened and bulges. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Dalman RL, et al. Overview of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Accessed July 27, Spryngerd M, et al. Screening program of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Abdominal aortic aneurysms AAA. Merck Manual Professional Version. Abdominal aortic aneurysm: Screening. Preventive Services Task Force. Accessed July 20, Braswell Pickering EA. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic.