What are the symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm in the elderly?

Elderly people with abdominal aortic aneurysm may not have obvious symptoms, but if they experience abdominal pain, back pain, abdominal mass with pulsation, or sudden severe pain accompanied by low blood pressure, it may mean that the condition is critical and requires immediate medical attention. This disease is often overlooked in the early stages because it has no specific manifestations, so regular physical examinations are particularly important.

The symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm depend on the size of the aneurysm and whether there are complications. Small aneurysms generally have no obvious symptoms, but as they grow larger, dull abdominal pain or persistent pain in the lower back caused by compression of surrounding tissues may occur. When an aneurysm is about to rupture or has ruptured, it is very likely to cause severe abdominal pain or lower back pain, and symptoms of shock will quickly appear, including pale skin, cold sweats, palpitations, or loss of consciousness. This situation is extremely critical and you should call emergency services immediately. Some patients may find a hard mass in the abdomen that is obviously pulsating with the heartbeat, which also needs to be vigilant.

The symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm depend on the size of the aneurysm and whether there are complications. Small aneurysms generally have no obvious symptoms, but as they grow larger, dull abdominal pain or persistent pain in the lower back caused by compression of surrounding tissues may occur. When an aneurysm is about to rupture or has ruptured, it is very likely to cause severe abdominal pain or lower back pain, and symptoms of shock will quickly appear, including pale skin, cold sweats, palpitations, or loss of consciousness. This situation is extremely critical and you should call emergency services immediately. Some patients may find a hard mass in the abdomen that is obviously pulsating with the heartbeat, which also needs to be vigilant.

To prevent further expansion of aneurysms and reduce the risk of rupture, older people should undergo abdominal ultrasound or CT scans to detect aneurysms early. Ultrasound is the most common screening tool, while CT scans can provide a detailed assessment of aneurysm size and morphology. Small and medium-sized quiescent aneurysms can be managed with regular imaging monitoring, blood pressure control, and improved lifestyle management, while larger or dilated aneurysms may require surgical treatment, such as open surgical repair or endovascular repair. Maintaining a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and controlling cardiovascular risk factors can greatly reduce the likelihood of aneurysm rupture and deterioration.