Experiences with
Abdominal aortic aneurysmSymptoms 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
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