ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM
An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm is when a part of your aorta gets weak and bulges out like a balloon.
-The aorta is the biggest blood vessel in your body.
- It carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body.
-when it gets weak in your stomach area, you may notice it swell up.
Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm dangerous?
-Small AAA often causes no problems and you may not even know that you have it
-Large AAA can be dangerous if it gets too big. It may burst or rupture.
-the rupture of an AAA is a medical emergency!
What causes AAA?
Doctors do not always know exactly why an AAA occurs, but things that make it more likely to occur are:
- Hardening of the arteries called Atherosclerosis- fat and cholesterol build up inside your arteries and your arteries become weakened.
-Smoking: damages your blood vessels and makes AAA grow faster.
-Age: AAA curves more frequently after the age of 65.
-Being Male: men get AAA more often than women.
-Family History: you are at higher risk of developing AAA if your parents or your sibling had this diagnosis.
-High Blood Pressure: high blood pressure puts extra stress on the artery walls and can weaken them.
-History of Other Aneurysm: You are at higher risk for a AAA if you have a history of other aneurysms.
- Genetic Disorders (Less Common)
-Infections (Less Common)
-Serious injury or trauma
How to reduce the growth of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm:
You have been diagnosed with an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm it is important to learn how to reduce the possibility of it getting larger.
-Quit Smoking Immediately. Quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do to reduce the growth of an AAA. Smoking has been linked to the growth of aneurysms. If you smoke, contact your doctor he can help you quit smoking if you are unable to do so on your own. You should avoid secondhand smoke as well.
-Control your Blood Pressure: high blood pressure can make an aneurysm grow faster. Take your blood pressure medication as prescribed. Physicians usually want your blood pressure under 130/ 80. However each Physician is different, so communicate with your doctor regarding your desires blood pressure parameters.
-Manage Cholesterol: high cholesterol can lead to injury of arteries. If you had high cholesterol your doctor may have gave you medication to help control it. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions and take medications as ordered.
-Live a Heart Healthy Lifestyle: Eat Vegetables and Fruit, Lean meats, Low Sodium to help reduce blood pressure, and less sugar and sugary drinks.
- Exercise Regularly: be sure to ask your doctor and/or therapist what exercise is safe to perform. Walking, swimming and biking are often good choices.
IMPORTANT: It is most common for Physicians to suggest a patient not to pick up anything over 30lbs. Speak with your doctor or therapist to get your weight lifting limit because lifting puts strain on your Abdominal Aorta and can cause growth and/or rupture.
-Manage Stress: stress raises blood pressure it can cause the AAA to rupture or grow. Find ways to relax such as listening to music, visualizing a peaceful beautiful place, or controlled deep breathing.
-Keep ALL doctor appointments. The doctor will order echocardiograms or CAT scans evaluate and monitor your AAA.
IMPORTANT
ALWAYS TAKE YOUR MEDICATIONS AS ORDERED NEVER STOP MEDICATION WITHOUT TALKING TO YOUR DOCTORS
THIS INFORMATION DOES NOT REPLACE YOUR DOCTOR'S ADVICE. ALWAYS ASK YOUR HOME HEALTH NURSE, OR DOCTOR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
When to contact your home health agency or your physician if you're not in in home health agency. If you notice these signs call your home health care agency or doctor
*A throbbing feeling in your abdomen your (belly area) It might feel like a heartbeat.
*Pain in your stomach or in your side that does not go away.
*Back pain that you cannot explain.
*Report any abnormal symptoms that are not an emergency to your home health care provider. If it's an emergency call 911
When to go to the emergency room:
*Sudden, very bad pain in your stomach or back. May feel like ripping or tearing.
*If you feel dizzy, are sweaty or sick to your stomach
*If you feel your heartbeat is extremely fast
*If you feel like you will faint or pass out
*If your skin is pale and clammy
These could be signs that you're aneurysm has ruptured. Call 911 immediately.
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
* Most AAA's do not cause problems if they are small.
*Healthy choices and regular checkups help to keep you safe
*Know the emergency signs, to help you protect yourself
* Keep your blood pressures within normal limits
*Refrain from lifting heavy objects
*Take all medications as ordered
*Keep all doctors appointments
© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911
ring Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In eme
ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING LEVEL
PATIENT HOMEWORK
Circle the correct answer. If the answer is false please correct the statement.
1. True/False: An abdominal aortic aneurysm is when part of the aorta weakens and bulges out like a balloon.
2. True/False: The aorta is the smallest vessel in the body.
3. True/False: It it's good to know the signs of an AAA rupture because it is a medical emergency and you need to get medical attention right away.
4. True/False: It is okay to continue smoking because smoking has no effect on the growth or rupture of an AAA.
5. True/False: High blood pressure can make an AAA grow faster.
6. True/False: Eating a lot of salty foods can raise your blood pressure.
7. True/False: Quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do if you have an AAA.
8. True/False: AAA are more common and people under the age of 30.
9. True/False: Back Pain or throbbing in the stomach area could be a sign of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
10. True/False: Only men can be diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysm.
11. True/False: Having High Cholesterol can increase the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
12. True/False: It is safe to lift weights without consulting your doctor if you have AAA.
13. True/False: Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are healthy choices for your heart.
14. True/False: You should never stop taking your blood pressure medication without first discussing with your doctor.
15. True/False: Regular check ups and imaging, will help your doctor to monitor your AAA safely.
16. True/False: Feeling Dizzy, Sweaty, or having Sudden severe abdominal pain is an emergency and may indicate a rupture of your AAA.
17. True/False: Exercise like walking, or swimming, is usually good for you however, you should ask your doctor what is safe for you..
18. True/False: If your AAA is small, you never have to have it checked again.
19. True/False: Managing Stress will help keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.
20. True/False: If you feel a ripping pain in your abdomen or back, and feel faint, call 911 right away.
INDIVIDUALIZED FOCUSED EDUCATION
Can you explain to me in your own words what an abdominal aortic aneurysm is and why it can be dangerous?”
“What signs or symptoms would you watch for that mean you should call your nurse or go to the emergency room right away?”
“What changes or habits can you follow at home to help lower your risk of complications from your aneurysm?”
4. My AAA is measured at _____________mm, which is considered (small, medium, large), and I should set up regular follow up visits and imaging with Dr._________________________.