**Yes, an abdominal aortic aneurysm can be serious because it can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.**
If you have an aneurysm, your risk depends on its size, how quickly it grows, and whether it causes symptoms. A small aneurysm without symptoms often needs regular ultrasound monitoring rather than immediate surgery. Your clinician may recommend repair if it is large, growing quickly, or causing pain. Keeping your scans, quitting smoking, and taking prescribed blood pressure medicines help you manage your health.
How serious an aneurysm is
Common questions
Is Abdominal aortic aneurysm serious?
Yes, an abdominal aortic aneurysm is serious because this bulge in your main abdominal artery can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. A small aneurysm without symptoms often needs scheduled ultrasound scans, while a large, rapidly growing, or painful aneurysm may need repair. Your clinician must assess your scan results and symptoms to recommend monitoring or surgery. Quit smoking and take prescribed blood pressure medicines. Call 911 for sudden, severe belly or back pain, especially with fainting or clammy skin.