What it is
The wall of the aorta weakens and balloons outwards. It is more common in men over 65, in people who smoke or have smoked, and in people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a close relative who had one.
Small aneurysms are usually monitored with ultrasound scans at set intervals. When an aneurysm reaches a certain size or grows quickly, a vascular surgeon may suggest a planned repair.
Common signs
- Usually none; most are found on a screening scan or a scan done for another reason
- Sometimes a pulsing feeling in the belly
- Sometimes persistent pain in the belly or lower back
How it is usually diagnosed
- An abdominal ultrasound, which measures the width of the aorta
- A CT scan to plan treatment if repair is considered
- Blood pressure and cholesterol checks, since they affect growth
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Every ultrasound report with the measured diameter and date, so growth can be compared
- CT scan reports
- Letters from the vascular surgery clinic
- Operation notes and follow-up scans after a repair
Questions to ask your doctor
- How big is my aneurysm, and how often will it be measured?
- At what size would repair be considered?
- What can I do to slow its growth?
- Should my brothers or sisters be checked?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden, severe pain in the belly or back
- Fainting, sweating, a racing heartbeat or feeling suddenly very unwell
- Shortness of breath with pain in the belly
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.