Abdominal aortic aneurysm

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge or swelling in the main artery (aorta) passing through the abdomen. It occurs when the artery wall weakens and thickens, causing it to expand. If it grows too large, it risk bursting, which can cause life-threatening bleeding. Many AAAs develop slowly and show no symptoms, but some may cause back or abdominal pain. Risk factors include aging, smoking, high blood pressure, and family history. Regular screening and monitoring help detect AAAs early, and surgical repair may be recommended if the aneurysm reaches a dangerous size.