Overview
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlarged area in the lower part of the body’s main artery, called the aorta. The aorta runs from the heart through the center of the chest and belly area, called the abdomen.
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. An abdominal aortic aneurysm that ruptures can cause life-threatening bleeding.
Treatment depends on the size of the aneurysm and how fast it’s growing. Treatment varies from regular health checkups and imaging tests to emergency surgery.
Symptoms
Abdominal aortic aneurysms often grow slowly without noticeable symptoms. This makes them difficult to detect. Some aneurysms never rupture. Many start small and stay small. Others grow larger over time, sometimes quickly.
If you have a growing abdominal aortic aneurysm, you might notice:
- Deep, constant pain in the belly area or side of the belly.
- Back pain.
- A pulse near the bellybutton.
When to see a doctor
If you have pain, especially if pain is sudden and severe, seek medical help right away.
