What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?

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An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a weakening of the wall of the abdominal aorta that allows the vessel to balloon outward. The abdominal aorta is the main artery in the abdomen, and when its wall weakens, it can dilate into an aneurysm. The big danger is rupture, which dumps a lot of blood into the abdomen and can cause life-threatening internal bleeding and shock. Many aneurysms are found incidentally and monitored, with repair considered if they are large or growing. Risk factors include older age, smoking, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis. Symptoms may be absent until rupture, at which point severe abdominal or back pain, pale/clammy skin, and faintness can occur. The other options describe different conditions: stroke from arterial blockage, a lung infection, and gallbladder inflammation.