How can you tell if you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Well…: If you feel a pulsating, expanding mass in your lower abdomen (usually at the level of the naval), and you are a former smoker, the likelihood is high. However, doctors usually check for this using ultrasound.

Get checked: AAA may have no symptoms until catastrophe strikes. You may feel a pulsating expanding mass in the abdomen (or not). Family history? Smoker? Diabetic? High blood pressure? Avascular disease? Marfan's syndrome (a connective tissue disease)? All risk factors.Sonogram exam can show AAA when they are small and without symptoms, or bigger; monitored, or treated with stent or surgery if get big enough.

US/CT: Unless you have a collagen disorder, abdominal aortic aneuryms are unheard of on people your age. To diagnose it need an abdominal ultrasound of the aorta or an abdominal cat scan without contrast. Sometimes can be palpated on really skinny patients.