An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlarged area in the lower part of the major vessel that supplies blood to the body (aorta). The aorta runs from the heart through the center of the chest and abdomen. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body, so a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause life-threatening bleeding. Depending on the size of the aneurysm and how fast it’s growing, treatment varies from watchful waiting to emergency surgery. It often grow slowly without noticeable symptoms, making them difficult to detect. Enlarging abdominal aortic aneurysm has symptoms such as Back pain, constant pain in the belly area or side of the belly (abdomen), and a pulse near the bellybutton.

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). Several things can play a role in the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, including Hardening of the arteries, which occurs when fat and other substances build up on the lining of a blood vessel. High blood pressure can damage and weaken the aorta’s walls. There are diseases that cause blood vessels to become inflamed. Rarely, a bacterial or fungal infection might cause the disease. Trauma such as being injured in a car accident can cause it.

The risk factors include tobacco use. Smoking can weaken the walls of the aorta, increasing the risk of aortic aneurysm and aneurysm rupture. The longer and more you smoke or chew tobacco, the greater the chances of developing an aortic aneurysm. This condition occur most often in people age 65 and older. Having a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms increases the risk of having the condition. Having an aneurysm in another large blood vessel, such as the artery behind the knee or the aorta in the chest (thoracic aortic aneurysm), might increase the risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. APA