An aneurysm is a weak spot and a bulging in a blood vessel. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is weak spot and bulge in the major blood vessel in the abdomen, the aorta.

A normal aorta can be felt in thin people as a pulsing tube deep inside the abdomen. If there is an aneurysm, this tube will seem larger than it should be. As the aneurysm gets larger, it is more easily felt. It may also begin to cause back or abdominal pain. Sometimes an aneurysm is detected on an X-ray or other diagnostic test.

An aneurysm is usually caused by a slow weakening of the blood vessel wall. Most often, the wall has been weakened by high blood pressure or atherosclerosis. Sometimes a person is born with a weak part of their blood vessel. Occasionally the wall of the aneurysm will begin to leak. At other times the wall may suddenly break. If the wall of a major blood vessel breaks, it is often fatal.

When an abdominal aortic aneurysm is found, the doctor may want to do tests to see how big it is. The doctor may also want to know if the blood is flowing normally through the bulging area. Sometimes the blood can flow along the outside edge of the bulge. This can cut off the blood supply to other blood vessels. It can also make it easier for the aneurysm to rupture.

It may not be necessary to treat a small aneurysm, but it is important to watch it over time. If the aneurysm is large, or growing, surgery will be needed. If the aneurysm is leaking, it is also necessary to operate. During the operation, the surgeon replaces part of the damaged aorta with a cloth tube. This lets the blood flow normally and keeps the blood vessel from breaking.

For more information, contact your American Heart Association office or call (800) 242-8721.

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