What are the symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?

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  A Johns Hopkins Medicine answered

  

  In general, a patient suffering from an abdominal aneurysm may experience low back pain or pain in the center of the abdomen. Learn more from Johns Hopkins Medicine about an abdominal aneurysm.
  
   
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  A Dr. Mallik A. Piduru, MD , Surgery, answered on behalf of Oak Hill Hospital

  

  Everyone over the age of 65 should get an ultrasound of their abdomens to detect any abdominal aortic aneurysms, which sometimes don't present any symptoms at all. Learn more by watching this video with Mallik Piduru, MD from Oak Hill Hospital.
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  A Dr. Joshua I. Greenberg, MD , Vascular Surgery, answered on behalf of Mercy Health

  

  Some patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) have no symptoms at all and the condition is discovered as a secondary result from testing. In this video, Joshua Greenberg, MD, of Mercy Health, explains that symptoms may occur after a rupture.
  
  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.
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  A Dr. Isaac George, MD , Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular), answered on behalf of Columbia University Department of Surgery

  Symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) can include back, flank or abdominal pain, though oftentimes an AAA does not produce symptoms. 
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  A Dr. Barry T. Katzen, MD , Diagnostic Radiology, answered on behalf of Baptist Health South Florida

  A rupture of the aortic artery may produce a throbbing feeling in the abdomen, a deep pain in the back or the side of your abdomen and a constant pain in your abdomen that is severe and cannot be relieved.
   
  If an AAA ruptures, symptoms may include sudden, severe pain in the lower abdomen and back; nausea and vomiting; constipation and problems with urination; clammy, sweaty skin; light-headedness; and a rapid heart rate when standing up. A ruptured AAA can also send a person into shock so proceeding to an emergency room or hospital quickly is very important.
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  A Riverside Heart and Vascular Center answered

  If you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA):

  • You may have no symptoms at all.
  • You may feel pain in the middle or lower part of the left side of your abdomen. This pain may come and go or be felt all the time.
  • You may feel pain in your lower back.
  • You or healthcare provider may feel a mass or lump that beats (like a heartbeat) in your abdomen.
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  A Intermountain Healthcare answered

  Often, an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) doesn't cause any symptoms. In some cases, though, it can cause a pulsing sensation in the abdomen or pain in the abdomen, chest, or back. Even if it doesn't cause symptoms, an aortic aneurysm can be very dangerous, especially if it's large or it's growing. If it ruptures (bursts), it can cause bleeding. After an aorta ruptures, so much blood is lost that death can happen within minutes.
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  A Dr. Frank J. Arena, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered on behalf of Lakeview Regional Medical Center

  Abdominal aortic aneurysms almost never have any symptoms. In some cases, patients have reported symptoms such as chest or jaw pain, which are similar to symptoms of a heart attack. Other signs could be sudden stabbing, radiating pain, fainting or difficulty breathing.
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