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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
A bulge in the main artery running through the abdomen. It usually causes no symptoms but can be life-threatening if it bursts.
Causes & risk factors
- Atherosclerosis
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Ageing (more common in older men)
- Family history
Common symptoms
- Often no symptoms
- Deep abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Pulsing feeling in the abdomen
Tests & diagnosis
- Abdominal ultrasound
- CT scan of abdomen
- MRI
Treatment & management
- Controlling blood pressure and stopping smoking
- Regular scans to monitor small aneurysms
- Open surgical repair for large aneurysms
- Stent-graft (endovascular / EVAR) repair in suitable patients
When to see a doctor urgently
- Call emergency services for sudden severe abdominal or back pain with faintness (possible rupture)
- See a doctor for a known aneurysm that is enlarging
- Discuss screening if you are an older male smoker or have a family history
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about abdominal aortic aneurysm (aaa). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have an aneurysm?
Most cause no symptoms and are found on a scan; screening is offered to higher-risk groups in some places.
When does it need surgery?
When it reaches a certain size or grows fast, because the risk of rupture then rises.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.