What is abdominal aortic aneurysm?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge in a section of the aorta in the belly. The section with the aneurysm is overstretched and weak, so it can burst. If the aorta bursts, it can cause serious bleeding that can quickly lead to death.

Most people with abdominal aortic aneurysms don't have symptoms. But symptoms may occur if the aneurysm gets bigger.

Symptoms may include:

• General belly pain or discomfort, which may come and go or be constant. This is the most common symptom.
• Pain in the chest or lower back, possibly spreading to the groin, buttocks, or legs. The pain may be deep, aching, gnawing, or throbbing, and it may last for hours or days.
• A pulsating feeling in the belly.
• A "cold foot" or a black or blue painful toe. This can happen if a blood clot breaks off and blocks blood flow to the legs or feet.
• Fever or weight loss, if it is an inflammatory aortic aneurysm.

If an aortic aneurysm bursts, or ruptures, it causes sudden, severe pain, an extreme drop in blood pressure, and signs of shock. Without immediate treatment, it can quickly lead to death.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are often found by chance during tests done for other reasons. In some cases, they are found during a screening test for aneurysms. Sometimes an abdominal aneurysm is felt during a routine physical exam.

If your doctor thinks you might have this type of aneurysm, you will have a physical exam. You may also have imaging tests. Tests that may be done include:

• Abdominal ultrasound.
• CT scan.

These tests can help your doctor find where the aneurysm is and how big it is. The doctor can use this information to suggest the best way to treat the aneurysm.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm may be repaired if there's a risk that it will burst (rupture). Small aneurysms rarely rupture. Aneurysms that are large, cause symptoms, or grow quickly are more likely to rupture.

Small aneurysms.

These usually aren't repaired. You'll have regular ultrasound tests to check the size and growth of the aneurysm. Many people get tested every 6 to 12 months.

Large or fast-growing aneurysms.

Your aneurysm will need to be fixed if it's large, growing quickly, or causing symptoms. A surgeon will repair the damaged part of the aorta. This can be done using open surgery or a less invasive procedure. Your doctor can help you decide what's right for you.

For any aneurysm, you may take medicines to help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. Your doctor may also advise you to make lifestyle changes that are good for your heart and blood vessels, like quitting smoking.

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You may take medicine to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Follow a heart-healthy diet.
  • Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or nonfat dairy foods.
  • Eat lean proteins, such as seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, beans, peas, nuts, seeds, and soy products. Limit saturated fat and avoid trans fat.
  • Limit processed food, sodium, alcohol, and sweets.
• Ask your doctor what type and level of activity is safe for you. If your doctor recommends it, get regular exercise. Walking is a good choice. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk every day. Try for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. You also may want to swim, bike, or do other activities.
• Stay at a healthy weight. Lose weight if you need to.
• Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around you. Smoking can make your condition worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Manage other health problems. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.