The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the body.
Sometimes the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can become weak and stretch to form an aneurysm. When this happens, there is a risk that the aorta may split or tear (rupture).
A ruptured AAA can lead to serious blood loss that will need immediate emergency treatment.
Not every AAA will rupture, but if it does the chances of getting to hospital and surviving surgery are very poor.