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Abdominal aortic aneurysm

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from the heart down through the chest and tummy.

An AAA can be dangerous if it is not spotted early on.

It can get bigger over time and could burst (rupture), causing life-threatening bleeding.

Screening for AAA is routinely offered by the NHS to all men aged 65 and over.

Women aged 70 or over, who have underlying risk factors such as high blood pressure, may also be advised to attend screening for AAA.

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.

When to get medical help

Make an appointment to see a GP as soon as possible if you have symptoms, especially if you're at a higher risk of an AAA.

An ultrasound scan of your tummy may be done to check if you have one.

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 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.

Screening for AAAs

In England, screening for AAAs is offered to men during the year they turn 65. This can help spot a swelling in the aorta early on, when it can be treated.

The test involves a quick and painless ultrasound scan to see how big your aorta is.

If you're a man over 65 and you have not been screened, you can ask for a test by contacting your local AAA screening service directly.

Women aged 70 or other with underlying risk factors such as high blood pressure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may also benefit from an ultrasound scan. You will need to ask a GP for a referral as women are not currently routinely invited for scanning.

Read more about screening for an AAA.

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182 public posts

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
in British Heart Foundation

Triple A

Having recently been diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, l would be interested to hear the experience of others who have had a similar diagnosis in the past.
Having recently been diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, l would be interested to hear the experience of others who have had a similar diagnosis in the past.
Morritt
in British Heart Foundation

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Hi I’m Nicky just been told I have an abdominal aortic aneurysm 46mm not sure what to expect,whilst things seem to be moving quickly I haven’t been told to see anyone who specialise. It was found by mri scan checking for something else !
Hi I’m Nicky just been told I have an abdominal aortic aneurysm 46mm not sure what to expect,whilst things seem to be moving quickly I haven’t been told to see anyone who specialise. It was found by mri scan checking for something else !
Nicky444
in British Heart Foundation
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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
in Healthy Happy Woman

Low-dose steroids ‘bad for the heart’, study finds

Increased dose-dependent risks were found across all measured cardiovascular diseases, including atrial fibrillation, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, cerebrovascular disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Increased dose-dependent risks were found across all measured cardiovascular diseases, including atrial fibrillation, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, cerebrovascular disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm.
piglette
in PMRGCAuk

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
1234Pasta
in Endometriosis UK

Rachel-Faye Endometrioid Ovarian Cancer Stage 1A Grade 1

I was diagnosed on 9/11 /2018 on the phone having had debulking surgery on 20/8/18. Total abdominal hysterectomy, Bilateral salpingo oopherectomy and omentectomy . No chemo offerered just WATCH & WAIT for 5 years. Year 1: 3-monthly CT scans and CA125s + consultation with gynae/oncologist Year 2
I was diagnosed on 9/11 /2018 on the phone having had debulking surgery on 20/8/18. Total abdominal hysterectomy, Bilateral salpingo oopherectomy and omentectomy . No chemo offerered just WATCH & WAIT for 5 years. Year 1: 3-monthly CT scans and CA125s + consultation with gynae/oncologist Year 2
RachelFaye
in SHARE Ovarian Cancer Support

Keep the cervix? Private care?

Hi everyone, What a lovely forum, thanks for all your posts, they are so informative. I am on the waiting list for total abdominal hysterectomy (due to ten fibroids), and I'm awaiting confirmation on whether laparoscopic surgery is possible for me. Due to covid, the waiting list is very long and I'm
Hi everyone, What a lovely forum, thanks for all your posts, they are so informative. I am on the waiting list for total abdominal hysterectomy (due to ten fibroids), and I'm awaiting confirmation on whether laparoscopic surgery is possible for me. Due to covid, the waiting list is very long and I'm
HGate
in Healthy Happy Woman

Bowel movements after hysterectomy

So ile be 3 weeks post op from abdominal hysterectomy on Thursday evening... Opening my bowels is still agony weather the stool is soft or not sorry for tmi iv got horrendus pressure at the top of my vagina almost as if something really heavy is pressing on my cervix and it's agonising in my vagina to
So ile be 3 weeks post op from abdominal hysterectomy on Thursday evening... Opening my bowels is still agony weather the stool is soft or not sorry for tmi iv got horrendus pressure at the top of my vagina almost as if something really heavy is pressing on my cervix and it's agonising in my vagina to
Hidden
in Endometriosis UK

12 days post op

Hi guys had to make a new account on here, but back hope your all well. So I'm 12 days post op what a journey from having my abdominal hysterectomy had the remainder of my stitches removed today. Iv got this constant horrendus abdominal pressure almost as if there's something bearing down on my cervix
Hi guys had to make a new account on here, but back hope your all well. So I'm 12 days post op what a journey from having my abdominal hysterectomy had the remainder of my stitches removed today. Iv got this constant horrendus abdominal pressure almost as if there's something bearing down on my cervix
Hidden
in Endometriosis UK

Lower back & abdominal pain

Hi, I’m hoping someone can advise as I’m getting confused 🤷‍♀️ I think with my pain whether it’s connected to endo or not? I’m 46 had a total abdominal hysterectomy nearly 2 years ago, was fine for a good few months then pain was back!, had a Diag lap in jan this year where adhesions were removed, things
Hi, I’m hoping someone can advise as I’m getting confused 🤷‍♀️ I think with my pain whether it’s connected to endo or not? I’m 46 had a total abdominal hysterectomy nearly 2 years ago, was fine for a good few months then pain was back!, had a Diag lap in jan this year where adhesions were removed, things
Gingernut74
in Endometriosis UK

Fluid found after hysterectomy

Morning ladies I had a full abdominal hysterectomy in January but still been in a lot of pain doctor sent me for a scan which found some fluid but nothing else, I’ve now been referred for a CT scan, and referred back to gynaecologist to find out what’s going on. Just wondering if anyone else has had
Morning ladies I had a full abdominal hysterectomy in January but still been in a lot of pain doctor sent me for a scan which found some fluid but nothing else, I’ve now been referred for a CT scan, and referred back to gynaecologist to find out what’s going on. Just wondering if anyone else has had
KayST79
in Endometriosis UK

More info about PEG in the COVID vaccines

Source: https://creakyjoints.org/living-with-arthritis/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/can-you-get-covid-19-vaccine-history-allergic-reactions/ Relevant info: The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Fact sheets provided by the FDA for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines state that you should not get
Source: https://creakyjoints.org/living-with-arthritis/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/can-you-get-covid-19-vaccine-history-allergic-reactions/ Relevant info: The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Fact sheets provided by the FDA for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines state that you should not get
gothchiq
in Allergic to Glycols

Recovery

My abdominal hysterectomy tomorrow just a question... Do you wake up in recovery or wake back in your room with no knowledge of anything lol also will the nurses call my husband to let him know I've gone down to theatre and when I come out??
My abdominal hysterectomy tomorrow just a question... Do you wake up in recovery or wake back in your room with no knowledge of anything lol also will the nurses call my husband to let him know I've gone down to theatre and when I come out??
Hidden
in Endometriosis UK

2 days to go....

Well tomorrow and Wednesday then the dreaded day is here Thursday for my abdominal hysterectomy. Any one give me some feedback on open surgery I'm getting so anxious as the days pass now I have a feeling I'm gona have a massive panic attack and leave the hospital. Hope everyone's doing well.... Xx
Well tomorrow and Wednesday then the dreaded day is here Thursday for my abdominal hysterectomy. Any one give me some feedback on open surgery I'm getting so anxious as the days pass now I have a feeling I'm gona have a massive panic attack and leave the hospital. Hope everyone's doing well.... Xx
Hidden
in Endometriosis UK

Annoyed!!

So had all Thursday planned out in my head was initially 1st to go down on the list for theatre for my abdominal hysterectomy finally calmed my self down then because iv spent time in hospital over the past few weeks over night I now have to be treat as if I'm mrsa positive... So now I'm last on the
So had all Thursday planned out in my head was initially 1st to go down on the list for theatre for my abdominal hysterectomy finally calmed my self down then because iv spent time in hospital over the past few weeks over night I now have to be treat as if I'm mrsa positive... So now I'm last on the
Hidden
in Endometriosis UK

Mrsa and surgery

So I had my pre op this morning for abdominal hysterectomy next Thursday she had asked if I've stayed overnight in hospital recently to which I replied yes 2 days last week before my isolation started she then sent someone to my house with the mrsa body wash and nose solution although I have not tested
So I had my pre op this morning for abdominal hysterectomy next Thursday she had asked if I've stayed overnight in hospital recently to which I replied yes 2 days last week before my isolation started she then sent someone to my house with the mrsa body wash and nose solution although I have not tested
Hidden
in Endometriosis UK

Abdominal hysterectomy anxiety!!!!

8 days until my surgery, abdominal hysterectomy can't sleep and very very anxious. Thinking all sorts, terrified with it being open surgery!!! Help help help xx
8 days until my surgery, abdominal hysterectomy can't sleep and very very anxious. Thinking all sorts, terrified with it being open surgery!!! Help help help xx
Hidden
in Endometriosis UK

Pain relief after abdominal hysterectomy please

Can anyone tell me what pain relief is given immediately and in the coming hours after an abdominal hysterectomy please?? Open surgery not keyhole thanks trying to find out the ins and outs in having mine 2 weeks today also stories please be honest about the after pain and any advice.....pain relief
Can anyone tell me what pain relief is given immediately and in the coming hours after an abdominal hysterectomy please?? Open surgery not keyhole thanks trying to find out the ins and outs in having mine 2 weeks today also stories please be honest about the after pain and any advice.....pain relief
Hidden
in Endometriosis UK

Pains

Hi ladies I had keyhole surgery November 2019 to drain a 7cm mass on my right ovary then in my check up appointment they found it still there and I had a full abdominal hysterectomy in January 2020 my right ovary was also fused to my bladder it’s now been five months and I’m having stabbing pains in
Hi ladies I had keyhole surgery November 2019 to drain a 7cm mass on my right ovary then in my check up appointment they found it still there and I had a full abdominal hysterectomy in January 2020 my right ovary was also fused to my bladder it’s now been five months and I’m having stabbing pains in
KayST79
in Endometriosis UK
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