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Abdominal aortic aneurysm

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a localised widening of the body's main artery in the abdomen. Most cause no symptoms and are monitored with ultrasound, but growth increases the risk of rupture. Sudden severe abdominal or back pain with pallor, sweating, fainting or collapse is immediately life-threatening.

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An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a localised widening of the body's main artery in the abdomen. Most cause no symptoms and are monitored with ultrasound, but growth increases the risk of rupture. Sudden severe abdominal or back pain with pallor, sweating, fainting or collapse is immediately life-threatening.

  • Usually there are no symptoms; the aneurysm is found on an ultrasound or CT performed for another reason or through a screening programme.
  • Persistent deep pain or a pulsating sensation in the abdomen, flank, groin or back may occur, but has many other possible causes.
  • Stop smoking completely and seek active support; continuing increases both aneurysm growth and risks around surgery.
  • Take blood pressure, cholesterol and other vascular medicines daily, and discuss side effects instead of changing the dose yourself.
  • Get in touch the same day for new persistent abdominal, flank or back pain with a known AAA, even if the pain is still tolerable.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.
  • Sudden severe abdominal, flank or back pain with pallor, clammy sweating, fainting, confusion or collapse may be a ruptured aneurysm and is immediately life-threatening.

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Further reading

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B
Brain aneurysmA brain aneurysm is a bulge in an artery in or around the brain. Many aneurysms cause no symptoms, but rupture often causes a sudden, unprecedentedly severe headache and can become life-threatening within minutes. Call Ambulance 912 immediately and do not drive yourself.
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Pulmonary embolismA pulmonary embolism is a blood clot lodged in a lung blood vessel. It can cause sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing or a fast heartbeat. Signs of a leg thrombosis, such as pain or swelling in one leg, may also be present. A severe pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. If suspected while you are stable, call your GP the same day or HAP 9252 outside office hours. For severe breathlessness, chest pain with collapse or fainting, call Ambulance 912 immediately.
P
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)A pneumothorax is air between the lung and chest wall, causing part of the lung to collapse. It often causes sudden chest pain and breathlessness, but severity can vary greatly. A tension pneumothorax is life-threatening and can cause rapid deterioration with severe breathlessness, a fast heartbeat and agitation. After a pneumothorax, do not fly or dive until a doctor has confirmed it is safe again.