What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?

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 isn’t spotted early on. It can get bigger over time and could burst (rupture), causing life-threatening bleeding.

How do you repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Open repair. For this surgery, your doctor makes a large incision in the abdomen to expose the aorta. Once he or she has opened the abdomen, a graft can be used to repair the aneurysm. Open repair remains the standard procedure for an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

What happens if you have an aortic aneurysm in your leg?

Aortic aneurysms also put you at risk of developing blood clots in the area. If a blood clot breaks loose from the inside wall of an aneurysm and blocks a blood vessel elsewhere in your body, it can cause pain or block the blood flow to the legs, toes, kidneys or abdominal organs.

How do I know if I have an enlarging abdominal aortic aneurysm?

If you have an enlarging abdominal aortic aneurysm, you might notice: If you have pain, especially if pain is sudden and severe, seek immediate medical help. Aneurysms can develop anywhere along the aorta, but most aortic aneurysms occur in the part of the aorta that’s in the belly area (abdomen).

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What are the treatment options for an aortic aneurysm?

The two main treatments for aortic aneurysms are medicines and surgery. Medicines can lower blood pressure and reduce risk for an aortic aneurysm. Surgery can repair or replace the affected section of the aorta.

When to get medical help for abdominal aorta rupture?

When to get medical help. Make an appointment to see your 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.