What are the warning signs and symptoms of an aneurysm?
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are referred to as “silent killers,” as the majority of people do not have symptoms. However, AAA can sometimes present with the following: • AAAs are most common in people over the age of 60 • 70% to 80% of AAAs are in males; however, as more women are diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, this statistic is changing • High blood pressure, smoking, and high cholesterol levels have all been shown to increase the risk of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. • 20% of people with AAAs have a family history of either cardiovascular disease or aneurysms If you have one or more of the above risk factors, we recommend that you discuss with your doctor certain tests that can detect an AAA early so it may be properly treated. Sometimes, people will experience symptoms that suggest the presence of AAA. • Pain in the abdomen, back, or flank (side) • An overwhelming feeling of “fullness” after eating even a small amount of food • Frequent nausea and vomiting •
