The Basics
If you are a man age 65 to 75 and have ever smoked, talk with your doctor about abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
Your doctor may order an ultrasound test to check for AAA. An ultrasound uses sound waves to look inside the body. Most types of ultrasounds are painless.
Aneurysms (“AN-yoor-izms”) usually grow slowly without any symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to talk to your doctor about your risk.
If aneurysms grow large enough to burst (break open), they can cause dangerous bleeding inside the body and death. If AAA is found early, it can be treated to stop it from bursting.
What is AAA?
The aorta (“ay-OAR-tah”) is the main blood vessel (artery) in your body. It carries blood from your heart to your pelvis, abdomen (stomach), and legs.
If the wall of an artery is weak, the artery can swell like a balloon. This balloon-like swelling is called an aneurysm.
AAA occurs in the part of the aorta running through the abdomen.
Learn more about AAA:
Am I at risk for AAA?
The risk of AAA increases as you get older, and it’s more likely to happen in people between the ages of 60 and 80. Men are much more likely than women to have an AAA. You are 8 times more likely to develop an aneurysm if you smoke.
Other risk factors for AAA include:
How do I know if I have AAA?
There are usually no symptoms of AAA. Blood vessels can swell up slowly over time. That’s why it’s important to talk with your doctor about AAA to see if you are at risk.
If you have an aneurysm that starts to tear and cause bleeding, this is a medical emergency. You may suddenly feel:
- Pain in your back, stomach, or legs
- Nausea and vomiting
- Clammy (sticky) skin
You will need surgery right away.
Take Action!
Take these steps to lower your risk for AAA.
Talk with your doctor about your risk for AAA.
Here are some questions you might want to ask your doctor or nurse:
- Do I need to get screened for AAA?
- What are my blood pressure numbers and cholesterol levels? What should they be? If they are too high, what can I do to get them lower?
- Do I need to lose weight to reduce my risk for AAA?
- How can I get help to quit smoking?
Make changes to lower your risk for AAA.
It’s never too late to take steps to lower your risk for AAA.
Quit smoking.
Quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do to lower your risk of AAA. If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free support and to set up your quit plan.
Get your blood pressure checked.
If your blood pressure is high, you can take steps to lower it. Getting active, watching your weight, and eating less salt can help you control your blood pressure.