How do you know if you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

By scan: Abdominal aortic aneurysms can sometimes be found by a good physical exam , it helps if you are thin. Otherwise, if there is a family history of aneurysm, or strong suspicion of one...An ultrasound of the abdomen can often rule it in or out..Failing that a ct-scan is the most accurate and expensive way to diagnose this problem.

Imaging study: Most AAA are hard to detect by physical exam unless the patient is fairly thin. Ultrasound and ct scan are the most common imaging studies to detect aaa. If you have a family history of AAA then you have a higher risk of developing a aaa.

Imaging: If the aneurysm is asymptomatic, you may never know. If you have symptoms, your doctor will order appropriate testing. Most people aren't very good at feeling their own aorta, or wouldn't know where to look. Ct scan, ultrasound, abdominal xray can all see the aneurysm or evidence that one is there.