2. What is an abdominal aneurysm?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a condition is mainly found in men over age 60 with additional risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, Black Doctor reported. Aneurysms are usually linked to the brain and occur when the blood vessel wall in the brain is weakened and bulges out.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm can develop suddenly with warning signs that include intense and persistent abdominal or back pain that may radiate to the buttocks and legs, sweating and clamminess, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, rapid heart rate and shortness of breath.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is caused by a weakness in the wall of the aorta. The No. 1 risk factor is smoking. Smokers die four times more often from a ruptured aneurysm than non-smokers, according to South Valley Vascular. Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur in men more often than women.