Most aneurysms do not cause symptoms, but some do cause problems. An AAA can cause two serious problems:

• It can enlarge and burst.

• It can cause blood to flow between the layers of the wall of the aorta through a tear (aortic dissection).

The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:

• Being male and 60 years of age or older.

• Being of North European descent.

• Using or having used nicotine or tobacco products.

• Having a family history of aneurysms.

• Having any of these conditions:

  • Hardening of your arteries (arteriosclerosis).

  • Inflammation of the walls of an artery (arteritis).

  • Certain genetic conditions.

  • Obesity.

  • An infection in the wall of your aorta (infectious aortitis) caused by bacteria.

  • High cholesterol.

  • High blood pressure (hypertension).

Symptoms of this condition vary depending on the size of your aneurysm and how fast it is growing. Most aneurysms grow slowly and do not cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Severe pain in your abdomen, side, or lower back.

• Feeling full after eating only small amounts of food.

• Feeling a throbbing lump in your abdomen.

• Painful feet or toes, or discolored skin or sores on feet or toes.

• Constipation or trouble urinating.

Symptoms of an AAA that has burst include:

• Severe pain in your abdomen, side, or back that comes on suddenly.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Feeling light-headed or fainting.

This condition may be diagnosed with:

• A physical exam to check for throbbing and to listen to blood flow in your abdomen.

• Tests, such as:

  • Ultrasound.

  • X-rays.

  • CT scan.

  • MRI.

  • Angiograms. These tests check your arteries for damage or blockage.

Treatment for this condition depends on:

• The size of your aneurysm.

• How fast your aneurysm is growing.

• Your age.

• Risk factors for a burst AAA.

If your aneurysm is smaller than 2 inches (5 cm), your health care provider may:

• Monitor it regularly to see if it is getting bigger. Depending on the size of the aneurysm, how fast it is growing, and your other risk factors, you may have an ultrasound to monitor it every 3–6 months, every year, or every few years.

• Give you medicines to control blood pressure, treat pain, or fight infection.

Eating and drinking

• Eat a heart-healthy diet. This includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat (lean) protein, and low-fat dairy products.

• Avoid foods that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as red meat and some dairy products.

Lifestyle

• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.

• Stay physically active and exercise regularly. Talk with your health care provider about how often to exercise and which types of exercise are safe for you.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

Alcohol use

• Do not drink alcohol if:

  • Your health care provider tells you not to drink.

  • You are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant.

• If you drink alcohol:

  • Limit how much you use to:

    • 0–1 drink a day for women.

    • 0–2 drinks a day for men.

  • Be aware of how much alcohol is in your drink. In the U.S., one drink equals one 12 oz bottle of beer (355 mL), one 5 oz glass of wine (148 mL), or one 1½ oz glass of hard liquor (44 mL).

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.

• Keep your blood pressure within a normal range. Check it regularly, and ask your health care provider what your target blood pressure should be.

• Have your blood sugar (glucose) level and cholesterol levels checked regularly. Follow instructions on how to keep levels within normal limits.

• Avoid heavy lifting and activities that take a lot of effort. Ask what activities are safe for you.

• If you can, learn your family’s health history.

• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.