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Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Overview

Open all pages about Abdominal aortic aneurysm

An abdominal aortic aneurysm often has no symptoms, but you may have tummy or back ache or a pulsing feeling in your tummy.

The main test for abdominal aortic aneurysm is an ultrasound scan of your tummy. Men are offered an ultrasound screening test when they turn 65.

Treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysm may include healthy lifestyle changes, medicines or surgery.

Things you can do to reduce the risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, or stop one getting worse, include eating healthily and exercising regularly.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is usually caused by a weakening of the main artery from the heart to the tummy. They're more common in men over 65.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling in the largest artery in the body (the aorta).

Page last reviewed: 14/06/2023
Next review due: 14/06/2026