Most people have never heard of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) until someone they know is diagnosed with one, yet this potentially life-threatening condition affects thousands of Americans every year and often develops without causing any noticeable symptoms. Because an abdominal aortic aneurysm can grow silently over time, many people don’t realize they have one until it is discovered during an imaging test for an unrelated health concern or, in more serious cases, after it ruptures and becomes a medical emergency.
Understanding what an AAA is, who is most at risk and when to seek vascular screening can make a critical difference in preventing serious complications. In this guide, we’ll explain the causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment options for abdominal aortic aneurysms, while highlighting why early detection and expert vascular care are essential for protecting your long-term health.
Whether you have a family history of aneurysms, smoke or smoked in the past, or simply want to better understand your vascular health, knowing the facts about AAA could help save your life.
What Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when a section of the abdominal aorta, the body’s largest artery, becomes weakened and begins to bulge outward. The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body, making it one of the most important blood vessels in your circulatory system.
As an aneurysm grows, the arterial wall becomes thinner and more fragile. If it ruptures, it can cause severe internal bleeding that requires immediate emergency medical care. The good news is that many abdominal aortic aneurysms can be detected early through routine screening and managed before they become life-threatening.
Who Is Most at Risk for an AAA?
Although anyone can develop an abdominal aortic aneurysm, certain factors significantly increase the risk.
Common risk factors include:
- Adults over the age of 65
- Current or former smokers
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- A family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Being male, although women can also develop AAAs
If you fall into one or more of these categories, speaking with a vascular specialist about screening may be an important step toward protecting your health.
Why AAAs Are Often Called the “Silent Threat”
One of the most dangerous aspects of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is that it rarely causes symptoms during its early stages. Many patients feel perfectly healthy while the aneurysm gradually enlarges.
When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Persistent or deep abdominal pain
- Back or flank pain
- A noticeable pulsing sensation in the abdomen
- Pain that does not improve with rest
A ruptured AAA is a medical emergency. Symptoms may include:
- Sudden, severe abdominal or back pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
If these symptoms develop, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
How Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Diagnosed?
Because AAAs often develop without symptoms, imaging plays a critical role in early detection.
Your vascular provider may recommend:
- Abdominal ultrasound, the most common screening test
- CT angiography (CTA) for detailed imaging
- MRI in select cases
- Imaging performed for unrelated medical conditions that unexpectedly reveals an aneurysm
Screening is especially valuable for individuals with multiple risk factors because it allows physicians to identify an aneurysm before it causes serious complications.
Treatment Depends on the Size of the Aneurysm
Not every abdominal aortic aneurysm requires immediate surgery. Your treatment plan depends on several factors, including the aneurysm’s size, growth rate and your overall health.
Treatment options may include:
Careful Monitoring
Small aneurysms may only require routine imaging and follow-up appointments to ensure they do not grow too quickly.
Lifestyle Changes
Your physician may recommend:
- Quitting smoking
- Managing blood pressure
- Lowering cholesterol
- Exercising safely
- Following a heart-healthy diet
These steps support overall vascular health and may help reduce future complications.
Minimally Invasive Endovascular Repair (EVAR)
Many patients qualify for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), a minimally invasive procedure that places a stent graft inside the weakened portion of the aorta. This approach often results in:
- Smaller incisions
- Less discomfort
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery compared to traditional surgery
Open Surgical Repair
For larger or more complex aneurysms, open surgery may be the safest and most effective treatment option.
Can an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Be Prevented?
While not every AAA can be prevented, maintaining good vascular health can significantly reduce your risk.
Healthy habits include:
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Keeping blood pressure under control
- Managing diabetes
- Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels
- Staying physically active
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins
- Keeping regular appointments with your primary care physician
For many high-risk adults, routine vascular screening offers the greatest opportunity to detect an aneurysm before it becomes dangerous.
When Should You See a Vascular Specialist?
Many patients don’t realize they should see a vascular specialist until symptoms appear, but waiting isn’t always the safest choice.
You should consider scheduling a vascular evaluation if you:
- Have a family history of AAA
- Are over age 65 with a history of smoking
- Have been diagnosed with peripheral artery disease or other vascular conditions
- Have been told an aneurysm was found during another imaging study
- Have ongoing abdominal or back pain that cannot be explained
Early evaluation provides peace of mind and allows your care team to determine whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.
Protect Your Vascular Health with The Vascular Care Group
Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to prevent complications from an abdominal aortic aneurysm. At The Vascular Care Group, our experienced vascular specialists provide comprehensive evaluations, advanced diagnostic imaging and personalized treatment plans for patients throughout the communities we serve. Whether you’re concerned about your risk factors, have been referred for vascular screening or need expert treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, our team is here to help you take proactive steps toward better vascular health.
Contact The Vascular Care Group today to schedule a consultation and learn whether an AAA screening is right for you.