Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

An abdominal aortic aneurysm, or AAA, is when the large blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs becomes abnormally large or balloons outward. This is a health risk because it can burst or rupture, causing severe internal bleeding, which can lead to shock or even death.

Fortunately, especially when diagnosed early before it causes symptoms, an AAA can be treated, or even cured, with highly effective and safe treatments.

Although you may initially not feel any symptoms with AAA, if you develop symptoms, you may experience one or more of the following:

• A pulsing feeling in your abdomen, similar to a heartbeat
• Severe, sudden pain in your abdomen or lower back. If this is the case, your aneurysm may be about to burst
• On rare occasions, your feet may develop pain, discoloration or sores on the toes or feet because of material shed from the aneurysm

If your aneurysm bursts, you may suddenly feel intense weakness, dizziness or pain and you may eventually lose consciousness. This is a life-threatening situation and you should seek medical attention immediately.