Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Pain

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are the result of large blood vessels becoming abnormally large and ballooning outward. These blood vessels supply blood to the legs, abdomen and pelvis. When an abdominal aortic aneurysm becomes painful you should seek immediate medical attention.

Pain

• Pain is a main symptom of abdominal aortic aneurysm. The pain occurs in the abdomen, back, legs, groin and buttocks, and can be severe and constant. It could be a sign the aneurysm may rupture.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm include nausea and vomiting, clammy skin, a rapid heart rate and shock. Because aneurysms take years to develop there may be no symptoms.

Causes/Risks

• The cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm is unknown but risk factors for developing one include smoking, obesity, emphysema, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and being male.

Treatment

• Treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm pain involves surgery to repair problem blood vessels. This is recommended for aneurysms larger than 2 inches and growing quickly.

Prognosis

• The prognosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm is good if the aneurysm is repaired before it ruptures. Less than 40 percent of patients survive a ruptured aneurysm.

Complications

• When an abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures the complications can include heart attack, kidney failure, stroke, hypovolemic shock and arterial embolism.