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Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

AAAs do not usually cause any obvious symptoms, and are often only picked up during screening or tests carried out for another reason.

Some people with an AAA have:

  • a pulsing sensation in the tummy (like a heartbeat)
  • tummy pain that does not go away
  • lower back pain that does not go away

If an AAA bursts, it can cause:

  • sudden, severe pain in the tummy or lower back
  • dizziness
  • sweaty, pale and clammy skin
  • a fast heartbeat
  • shortness of breath
  • fainting or passing out

Call 999 for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else develops symptoms of a burst AAA.

Who's at risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

An AAA can form if the sides of the aorta weaken and balloon outwards. It's not always clear why this happens, but there are things that increase the risk.

People at a higher risk of getting an AAA include all men aged 66 or over and women aged 70 or over who have one or more of the following risk factors:

  • high blood pressure
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • high blood cholesterol
  • a family history of AAA
  • cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease or a history of stroke
  • they smoke or have previously smoked

Speak to a GP if you're worried you may be at risk of an AAA. They may suggest having a scan and making healthy lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of an AAA.

Treatments for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

The recommended treatment for an AAA depends on how big it is.

Treatment is not always needed straight away if the risk of an AAA bursting is low.

Treatment for a:

  • small AAA (3cm to 4.4cm across) – ultrasound scans are recommended every year to check if it's getting bigger; you'll be advised about healthy lifestyle changes to help stop it growing
  • medium AAA (4.5cm to 5.4cm) – ultrasound scans are recommended every 3 months to check if it's getting bigger; you'll also be advised about healthy lifestyle changes
  • large AAA (5.5cm or more) – surgery to stop it getting bigger or bursting is usually recommended

Ask your doctor if you're not sure what size your AAA is.

Reducing your risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

There are several things you can do to reduce your chances of getting an AAA or help stop one getting bigger.

These include:

  • stopping smoking – read stop smoking advice and find out about Smokefree, the NHS stop smoking service
  • eating healthily – eat a balanced diet and cut down on fatty food
  • exercising regularly – aim to do at least 150 minutes of exercise a week; read about how to get started with some common activities
  • maintaining a healthy weight – use the BMI healthy weight calculator to see if you need to lose weight, and find out how to lose weight safely
  • cutting down on alcohol – read tips on cutting down and general advice about alcohol

If you have a condition that increases your risk of an AAA, such as high blood pressure, your GP may also recommend taking tablets to treat this.

There are usually no early symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. A screening test can spot an aneurysm if you're at risk of them.

Treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysm is usually only needed if there's a risk it could burst. Large aneurysms can be treated with surgery.

Things that increase your risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm include being a man over 65, smoking and having high blood pressure.

You can reduce your risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm with a healthy lifestyle, such as eating healthily, cutting down on alcohol and not smoking.

Related links

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Treatment

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199 public posts

Disability Benefits

Hi, this is my first post on here I am a 73-year old male, I have an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and unfortunately, it is too dangerous to have an operation, the last check it was 6cm so basically once it ruptures I will die.
Hi, this is my first post on here I am a 73-year old male, I have an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and unfortunately, it is too dangerous to have an operation, the last check it was 6cm so basically once it ruptures I will die.
viv0147 profile image
viv0147
in British Heart Foundation

Hernia prevention after an abdominal hysterectomy

Hello I am looking for some advice please. I have ready many posts where women comment that they have had a hernia after having had a hysterectomy and I wondered if there is anything that puts some women more at risk of a hernia than others? Also, is there any advice that anybody could share which
Hello I am looking for some advice please. I have ready many posts where women comment that they have had a hernia after having had a hysterectomy and I wondered if there is anything that puts some women more at risk of a hernia than others? Also, is there any advice that anybody could share which
SarahBa profile image
SarahBa
in My Ovacome

IBS general: my experience

Dear all, it's been a while since I posted this, so here it is: This is my general approach to help people understand and repair their gastro-intestinal (GI) performance after being diagnosed with IBS. Firstly, IBS must be diagnosed by your doctor or consultant, after checks and treatment for gastro-intestinal
Dear all, it's been a while since I posted this, so here it is: This is my general approach to help people understand and repair their gastro-intestinal (GI) performance after being diagnosed with IBS. Firstly, IBS must be diagnosed by your doctor or consultant, after checks and treatment for gastro-intestinal
Stuart24 profile image
Stuart24
in IBS Network
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Sertraline for menopause

Hi, this is my first post. I was diagnosed with a borderline tumour in June 21 following a total abdominal hysterectomy. My consultant doesn't want me to take oestrogen so HRT is out of equation. My GP has prescribed Sertraline for flushes. I started them today and have had nausea and a little bit of
Hi, this is my first post. I was diagnosed with a borderline tumour in June 21 following a total abdominal hysterectomy. My consultant doesn't want me to take oestrogen so HRT is out of equation. My GP has prescribed Sertraline for flushes. I started them today and have had nausea and a little bit of
Siany78 profile image
Siany78
in My Ovacome

Worried so much about an aaa

She said I have a very prominent heartbeat around my belly button, and said don’t worry but you may have an abdominal aortic aneurysm, so is going to send me for an urgent ultrasound which will check the aorta and the lump.
She said I have a very prominent heartbeat around my belly button, and said don’t worry but you may have an abdominal aortic aneurysm, so is going to send me for an urgent ultrasound which will check the aorta and the lump.
Starbuck profile image
Starbuck
in British Heart Foundation

After total hysterectomy

Hi has anybody had discomfort after total abdominal hysterectomy. I had mine 5 weeks ago and after I’ve sat for a while I get a pain as if there is something digging in me on my left of my tummy above my bikini line where they cut and after walking my tummy feels very heavy like a dead weight. Is this
Hi has anybody had discomfort after total abdominal hysterectomy. I had mine 5 weeks ago and after I’ve sat for a while I get a pain as if there is something digging in me on my left of my tummy above my bikini line where they cut and after walking my tummy feels very heavy like a dead weight. Is this
Kemali profile image
Kemali
in Healthy Happy Woman

Recovery fro Full Abdominal Hysterectomy

It’s 4wks since my surgery and feeling loads better but can still only walk for about 30-40 mins before my tummy/abdomen starts to ache, this maybe because I’m a bit over weight and have an apron tummy also my abdomen/tummy is still numb. Is this normal? I get a pain when I go to the toilet for a wee
It’s 4wks since my surgery and feeling loads better but can still only walk for about 30-40 mins before my tummy/abdomen starts to ache, this maybe because I’m a bit over weight and have an apron tummy also my abdomen/tummy is still numb. Is this normal? I get a pain when I go to the toilet for a wee
Kemali profile image
Kemali
in Healthy Happy Woman

Abdominal pain from shots?

I have had constant upper abdominal pain for two weeks. I had been titrating my sc injections because of side effects. I use hydroxy. When I did a 500 mcg. dose the abdominal pain started that day. I waited ten days to do my next shot and only too 250 mcg. My abdominal pain is the same. Nothing else
I have had constant upper abdominal pain for two weeks. I had been titrating my sc injections because of side effects. I use hydroxy. When I did a 500 mcg. dose the abdominal pain started that day. I waited ten days to do my next shot and only too 250 mcg. My abdominal pain is the same. Nothing else
EiCa profile image
EiCa
in Pernicious Anaemia Society

Recovery from Abdominal Hysterectomy

Hi any ideas of how to help with healing, my incision is healing well it’s nearly 3 weeks since my total abdominal hysterectomy, but it’s quite sore as I have a bit of a belly hang
Hi any ideas of how to help with healing, my incision is healing well it’s nearly 3 weeks since my total abdominal hysterectomy, but it’s quite sore as I have a bit of a belly hang
Kemali profile image
Kemali
in Healthy Happy Woman

Healing

Hi anybody know what I can use to help my wound from my abdominal hysterectomy to heal as it is quite sore and I cannot wash at the minute due to this.
Hi anybody know what I can use to help my wound from my abdominal hysterectomy to heal as it is quite sore and I cannot wash at the minute due to this.
Kemali profile image
Kemali
in Healthy Happy Woman

Is it normal after Total Abdominal Hysterectomy to bleed a little

Hi this is my 16th day after my total abdominal hysterectomy, I had my staples out Wed (2 days ago) and non adhesive gauze was put over where the staples had been to stop any sweating, my wound is on my bikini line and part of it when I have changed the dressing is still bleeding a little is this normal
Hi this is my 16th day after my total abdominal hysterectomy, I had my staples out Wed (2 days ago) and non adhesive gauze was put over where the staples had been to stop any sweating, my wound is on my bikini line and part of it when I have changed the dressing is still bleeding a little is this normal
Kemali profile image
Kemali
in Healthy Happy Woman

Abdominal Hysterectomy

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy 13 days ago and I get my staples out tomorrow, but have been given little/ no advice upon discharge from Hospital the day after surgery about recovery as in what I should/should not be doing. I have support stockings on and when I asked I was told to keep them on
I had a total abdominal hysterectomy 13 days ago and I get my staples out tomorrow, but have been given little/ no advice upon discharge from Hospital the day after surgery about recovery as in what I should/should not be doing. I have support stockings on and when I asked I was told to keep them on
Kemali profile image
Kemali
in Healthy Happy Woman

I'm back post-op and going to do it again!

So I did couch to 5k with support on here from Sept '20 to Jan '21. Was lifechanging for me and I was still enjoying running 5-6k twice a week and got sub 40 mins for the first time. Then was diagnosed with fibroids and had a total abdominal hysterectomy on 24th May. Just had my 6 week sign off to start
So I did couch to 5k with support on here from Sept '20 to Jan '21. Was lifechanging for me and I was still enjoying running 5-6k twice a week and got sub 40 mins for the first time. Then was diagnosed with fibroids and had a total abdominal hysterectomy on 24th May. Just had my 6 week sign off to start
Vogueskater profile image
Vogueskater
Graduatein Couch to 5K

6 months after hysterectomy

So I had an abdominal hysterectomy 6 months ago and wow the difference is amazing. To be told I may never walk again and be stuck like that to exercising (which was my aim). Just taking everyday as it comes as I do still have endo flare ups once a month and know this disease won't stay away forever but
So I had an abdominal hysterectomy 6 months ago and wow the difference is amazing. To be told I may never walk again and be stuck like that to exercising (which was my aim). Just taking everyday as it comes as I do still have endo flare ups once a month and know this disease won't stay away forever but
Thecrazypugglelady profile image
Thecrazypugglelady
in Endometriosis UK

Hysterectomy

Hi all. I am writing from my hospital bed. Had a full abdominal hysterectomy today at 10.30 to remove my large fibroid. Good riddens! Also removed cervix and ovaries to prevent further complications. I'm very sore but managed with pain relief. Consultant is going to speak to me tomorrow. Wish me luck
Hi all. I am writing from my hospital bed. Had a full abdominal hysterectomy today at 10.30 to remove my large fibroid. Good riddens! Also removed cervix and ovaries to prevent further complications. I'm very sore but managed with pain relief. Consultant is going to speak to me tomorrow. Wish me luck
Fcake profile image
Fcake
in Women's Health

Aortic Aneurysm

I have just been diagnosed with a 5.4cm abdominal aortic aneurysm. What are the implications of this?
I have just been diagnosed with a 5.4cm abdominal aortic aneurysm. What are the implications of this?
Stlucas profile image
Stlucas
in British Heart Foundation

Holistic, Happy, Healing Hysterectomy

Dear Ladies, I thought it might be helpful to post a positive news story on this forum, to perhaps relieve any anxieties that you have, if you are awaiting surgery. I hope this story is not insensitive if you had a rough time in recovery. We are all different and there are so many factors involved
Dear Ladies, I thought it might be helpful to post a positive news story on this forum, to perhaps relieve any anxieties that you have, if you are awaiting surgery. I hope this story is not insensitive if you had a rough time in recovery. We are all different and there are so many factors involved
HGate profile image
HGate
in Healthy Happy Woman

Parasympathetic Nervous System - Vagus Nerve

As many of you know along with AF I suffer from a relatively rare (we think?) condition called Myasthenia gravis which is a neuro muscular condition which most people haven’t heard of but has a similar affect to MS but through a different mechanism. For over 7 years I have been chasing missing bits
As many of you know along with AF I suffer from a relatively rare (we think?) condition called Myasthenia gravis which is a neuro muscular condition which most people haven’t heard of but has a similar affect to MS but through a different mechanism. For over 7 years I have been chasing missing bits
CDreamer profile image
CDreamer
in AF Association

Flow lessening towards the end of a wee.. having to push.

So I had a total abdominal hysterectomy three years ago in May. I’ve always had a pain in my right ovary area from a very young age... it was always put down to ovulation. After my surgery I assumed this would go away, it hasn’t. I get this pain especially at night when I’ve held my wee and sit on
So I had a total abdominal hysterectomy three years ago in May. I’ve always had a pain in my right ovary area from a very young age... it was always put down to ovulation. After my surgery I assumed this would go away, it hasn’t. I get this pain especially at night when I’ve held my wee and sit on
janesbitz profile image
janesbitz
in Healthy Happy Woman

Abdominal hysterectomy to treat adenomyosis & Endo - anyone have experience to share?

Hi, Hope someone has similar experience and could help me today. I had an unexpected call with my consultant yesterday who was trying to reach patients due to cancellations. I was diagnosed years ago with stage 2/3 widespread Endo and since then adenomyosis. I've tried most treatments and finally found
Hi, Hope someone has similar experience and could help me today. I had an unexpected call with my consultant yesterday who was trying to reach patients due to cancellations. I was diagnosed years ago with stage 2/3 widespread Endo and since then adenomyosis. I've tried most treatments and finally found
Username12345678 profile image
Username12345678
in Endometriosis UK
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