What are typical symptoms of AAA?

The typical symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) often include being asymptomatic, particularly in the early stages. Many individuals may not exhibit any noticeable symptoms at all, leading to AAAs being found incidentally during imaging studies or examinations for unrelated issues. This asymptomatic nature of AAAs may contribute to their potentially life-threatening consequences if they rupture, as patients may remain unaware of their condition.

While abdominal swelling might appear in certain cases, it is not a classic symptom of AAA. Acute pain in the chest and severe headaches are also not typically associated with AAA, as these symptoms pertain to other medical conditions. The most common presentations of AAA are noted during routine screening or imaging and reflect the silent progression of an aneurysm prior to its most dangerous complications.