The aorta is the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. With AAA, part of the aorta weakens and expands. If an aneurysm gets large enough, it may burst. This is very serious, and usually fatal.

AAA usually causes no symptoms. It is often found when tests (such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan) are done for an unrelated problem. Or your healthcare provider may find it while feeling your stomach during a routine exam.

These things increase your chances of having AAA:

• AAA runs in your family

• Your age—AAA is more likely as you get older

• Men are more likely than women to have AAA

• Smoking

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol level (a buildup of fat and other materials in the blood)

• Injury (such as a car accident

Surgery can be done to remove an aneurysm. Your healthcare provider will weigh the chances that the aneurysm will burst against the risks of treatment. Because a small aneurysm is not likely to burst, it may be watched for a while. When it reaches a certain size, you may have surgery to replace that section of your aorta.