Call 911 for sudden severe pain in your abdomen, back, or side, and make a regular appointment if you have aneurysm risk factors or a known aneurysm that needs monitoring.
The answer changes with whether you have symptoms. Most abdominal aortic aneurysms cause no symptoms at all and are found on an ultrasound or on a scan ordered for another reason, so screening matters more than waiting for a warning sign. A one-time ultrasound is recommended for men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked, and your doctor may suggest one if you have a parent or sibling who had an aortic aneurysm. Quitting smoking, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in your target range, and staying active are the habits that most affect how an aneurysm behaves over time. If you already have a diagnosis, the scheduled follow-up scans are what tell your doctor when repair is worth considering.
When an aneurysm needs a doctor
Common questions
When should you see a doctor for Abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Call 911 for sudden severe pain in your abdomen, lower back, or side, especially with dizziness, fainting, a fast heartbeat, sweating, or clammy skin, since these can signal a rupture. Book a routine visit if you are a man aged 65 to 75 who has ever smoked, because a one-time ultrasound screening is recommended for that group. Also ask about an evaluation if a parent or sibling had an aortic aneurysm, or if you notice a pulsing feeling near your navel. If you already have a known aneurysm, keep every follow-up scan and report new, worsening, or constant pain promptly rather than waiting for the next appointment.