Quick read
Key points
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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 abdomen, most commonly occurring in older adults, particularly men who have smoked. Most aneurysms grow slowly and cause no symptoms, which is why screening programmes exist to detect them before they become dangerous.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You are eligible for AAA screening and haven't yet been screened
01 · Know
What is 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 abdomen, most commonly occurring in older adults, particularly men who have smoked. Most aneurysms grow slowly and cause no symptoms, which is why screening programmes exist to detect them before they become dangerous.
The main risk is that a large aneurysm can rupture, causing life-threatening internal bleeding — this is why aneurysms are monitored regularly once found, with surgery considered once they reach a size where the risk of rupture becomes significant.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Screening catches most aneurysms before symptoms develop
Because AAAs rarely cause symptoms while small, ultrasound screening programmes for at-risk groups (typically older men) are an important way of finding and monitoring them before they become dangerous.
03 · Act
When to Seek Non-Emergency Review
- 1You are eligible for AAA screening and haven't yet been screened
- 2You have a known small aneurysm and have questions about monitoring
- 3You have risk factors, such as smoking or a family history of AAA, and would like to discuss screening
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
A Suspected Rupture Is Always a Medical Emergency
Sudden severe abdominal or back pain, especially with a pulsating sensation or signs of shock, should never be waited out — call emergency services immediately.
- 1Attend AAA screening if eligible.A simple ultrasound scan can detect an aneurysm early, when it can be monitored safely.
- 2Stop smoking.Smoking is one of the strongest risk factors for AAA growth and rupture — quitting significantly reduces risk.
- 3Manage blood pressure and cholesterol.Keeping these well controlled reduces strain on the aorta.
- 4Attend all monitoring appointments if a small aneurysm is found.Regular scans track growth and determine when treatment might be needed.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Most abdominal aortic aneurysms are found and monitored safely through screening, well before they become an emergency.
Sudden, severe abdominal or back pain should always be treated as a medical emergency.