14 Symptoms of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
2. Pulsating Near the Navel
A common sign linked to an abdominal aortic aneurysm is a noticeable pulse or throbbing feeling near the navel. This happens when the main blood vessel in the abdomen, called the aorta, becomes widened or begins to bulge. As the vessel expands, each heartbeat can cause a visible or felt vibration in the stomach area.
This symptom develops because the weakened wall of the aorta allows blood to push outward with each beat. As the aneurysm grows larger, the pulsation may become more noticeable. However, the strength of the pulse does not always reflect how severe the condition is. People often describe the sensation as a steady rhythmic pulse that does not go away. It can be easier to notice when lying down or after physical activity.
The feeling is not usually painful, but it can feel unusual or unsettling because it seems to come from deep within the abdomen. A mild pulsation can sometimes occur for other reasons, such as having a thin body build or a naturally strong heartbeat.
3. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is one of the most common signs linked to an abdominal aortic aneurysm. It usually occurs deep in the center or lower part of the abdomen and can range from a dull ache to sharp discomfort. The pain may come and go or remain constant for long periods.
This pain can develop gradually as the aneurysm slowly expands. However, it may also appear suddenly if the artery wall begins to tear or leak. A sudden, intense onset of pain can signal an emergency and should never be ignored. The severity of the pain often relates to how quickly the aneurysm is growing rather than its size alone.
Many people describe the sensation as a deep, throbbing ache that feels different from ordinary stomach pain. The discomfort can also spread to nearby areas such as the back, hip, or groin, which can make the exact source hard to pinpoint. Clinicians often look for pain that does not improve with rest or changes in position.
4. Back Pain
Back pain is one of the more common symptoms linked to an abdominal aortic aneurysm and often feels deep, dull, or steady rather than sharp. It may develop slowly and can be felt in the lower back, sometimes spreading toward the side or abdomen.
This discomfort happens because the growing aneurysm presses against nearby tissues and nerves. As the aorta stretches and the wall weakens, pressure builds and creates a persistent aching sensation. The pain may become more noticeable as the aneurysm enlarges or if it begins to leak within the vessel wall.
In some cases, the pain remains mild and easy to dismiss. However, sudden or severe back pain can signal a medical emergency, especially if the aneurysm ruptures. Pain that worsens quickly or appears along with dizziness, fainting, or a rapid heartbeat needs immediate medical attention.
5. Screenings
Screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) helps detect the condition early, often before any symptoms appear. It uses an ultrasound scan to measure the size of the aorta, the main blood vessel in the abdomen. The test is simple, quick, and painless.
Doctors commonly recommend this screening for men aged 65 and older because AAA occurs more often in this group. People who have a history of smoking or a family history of aneurysm face a higher risk and may need screening earlier. Although women have a lower overall risk, screening may still be advised when risk factors are present.
During the scan, the width of the aorta is measured. If it is less than 3.0 cm, no aneurysm is present and no further scans are usually needed. A measurement between 3.0 and 4.4 cm is classified as a small aneurysm, and follow-up scans are often scheduled once a year.
6. Genetics
Genetics can play an important role in the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). People with a close family member who has had an aneurysm are at higher risk, which suggests that certain weaknesses in the structure of the aortic wall can run in families.
Inherited connective tissue disorders can further increase this risk. Conditions such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome affect the proteins that give strength and elasticity to blood vessel walls, making the arteries more likely to weaken, stretch, or balloon over time. Research also shows that specific genetic patterns can influence how the body repairs and rebuilds artery tissue.
When these repair processes do not function properly, the aorta may gradually lose strength and shape, which can contribute to aneurysm formation. Males and adults over age 60 with a family history appear to carry a higher genetic risk.
7. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can occur when an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) grows large enough to press against nearby organs. Swelling in the abdomen can interfere with the normal movement or emptying of the stomach and intestines since the aorta runs through this area.
This pressure may lead to an uneasy, sick feeling or trigger vomiting even after eating very little. Some people notice nausea that comes and goes, while others experience a more constant discomfort in the upper abdomen. Vomiting may appear suddenly and may not bring much relief.
When these symptoms occur alongside abdominal or back pain, it can suggest that the aneurysm has expanded or the surrounding tissues have become irritated. These symptoms can resemble common digestive problems, such as indigestion or ulcers, which makes their connection to an aneurysm easy to miss.
8. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure places extra stress on the walls of the arteries, including the aorta. Over time, this constant force can weaken the artery and increase the likelihood that a bulge, known as an aneurysm, will form. People with long-term high blood pressure often develop thicker and stiffer artery walls, which can further contribute to the problem.
When an abdominal aortic aneurysm is already present, elevated blood pressure can cause it to grow more quickly. The added pressure against the weakened area of the aorta can make it stretch further, raising the risk of rupture. Because of this, controlling blood pressure is an important part of reducing complications.
Many people do not notice clear symptoms linked to high blood pressure or an aneurysm at first. However, persistently high levels can sometimes be associated with warning signs such as abdominal or back pain and a pulsing sensation in the stomach area.
9. Endothelial Dysfunction
Endothelial dysfunction occurs when the inner lining of the blood vessels, called the endothelium, stops working properly. This lining helps regulate blood vessel tone, blood flow, and inflammatory responses. When it becomes damaged, it loses its ability to control blood pressure effectively and protect the vessel wall from irritation and injury.
In people with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), early damage to the endothelium is often present. Over time, this damage can weaken the aortic wall. The affected cells may produce fewer protective substances that normally help relax blood vessels, which can contribute to higher blood pressure and increased stress on the aorta.
Smoking can damage the endothelium by reducing protective chemicals and increasing inflammation in the blood vessel walls. High cholesterol can allow fatty buildup to collect along the walls, making the vessels stiffer and more vulnerable to damage.
10. Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the lower leg or thigh. This clot can block normal blood flow and lead to pain or swelling. In serious cases, part of the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening.
DVT often develops when blood flow slows down, such as during long periods of sitting or lying still. This can happen during extended car or plane travel, after surgery, following an injury, or in people with certain conditions that affect how the blood clots.
Common signs include swelling in one leg, warmth over the affected area, pain that may feel like cramping, and skin that appears red or discolored. These symptoms can appear suddenly or develop gradually. Noticing these changes, especially after long periods of inactivity, should prompt timely medical evaluation.
11. Nitric Oxide Deficiency
Nitric oxide is a natural molecule produced in the walls of blood vessels. It helps the vessels relax and widen so blood can flow smoothly. When the body produces too little nitric oxide, the arteries can become stiffer and blood pressure may rise. Over time, this added strain can place stress on the walls of the aorta.
In people at risk for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, low nitric oxide levels may reduce the vessel’s ability to widen and repair itself. Weakened tissue becomes more likely to stretch or bulge under pressure. Reduced nitric oxide can also limit how well oxygen and nutrients reach the cells within the vessel wall, which may further weaken its structure.
Aging can reduce nitric oxide levels by slowing the normal response of blood vessels. High cholesterol and long-term inflammation can also interfere with healthy vessel function. Lifestyle factors such as inactivity and a diet low in fruits and leafy vegetables may add to the problem by limiting the nutrients needed for nitric oxide production.
12. Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is one of the main causes linked to an abdominal aortic aneurysm. It develops when fatty deposits, called plaques, build up inside the walls of the arteries. These plaques make the artery walls thicker and less flexible, which can gradually weaken them over time. As plaque continues to collect, the space inside the artery narrows.
This can reduce blood flow and increase pressure against the artery wall. Over many years, this ongoing stress can contribute to the formation of a bulge or ballooning in the abdominal aorta. Several factors raise the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis, including smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and excess body weight. Diabetes and a family history of heart or blood vessel disease can also increase risk.
13. Complications with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
When the wall of the aorta weakens and expands, it can lead to serious complications. The most dangerous is a rupture, which causes sudden internal bleeding. This situation is life-threatening and requires emergency treatment. Some aneurysms do not rupture but can develop other issues. After repair surgery, a small leak called an endoleak may occur.
This allows blood to continue flowing into the aneurysm sac, which can increase the risk of growth or tearing over time. Blood clots can also form inside the aneurysm. If a clot breaks free, it may travel to the legs or other organs and block blood flow. This can cause pain, numbness, or tissue damage in the affected area.
Other possible complications include reduced blood flow to the kidneys, which can affect kidney function, and ischemia, which means certain tissues do not receive enough blood. People with existing heart disease may also face a higher risk of heart-related problems during or after surgery.
14. Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
A thoracic aortic aneurysm develops in the chest portion of the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. In this condition, a weakened area of the artery wall stretches and gradually enlarges. It often grows slowly and may not cause symptoms until it becomes larger or begins to tear.
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm. These include high blood pressure, a family history of aneurysms, inherited connective tissue disorders, and smoking. When symptoms do occur, they may include pain in the chest, back, or jaw. Some people also experience shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing.
These symptoms can happen because the expanding aneurysm presses against nearby organs or nerves. Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI scans are commonly used to monitor the size of the aneurysm. Larger aneurysms or those that grow quickly may need prompt medical care to lower the risk of rupture.
