Manila, Sept. 17 -- A growing waistline is often linked to weight gain, belly fat, bloating, or other digestive problems, but health experts caution that it could also indicate a more serious condition such as abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

AAA occurs when the main artery in the abdomen (abdominal aorta), which supplies blood to the lower body, bulges or enlarges.

If the aneurysm becomes too big, it can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.

In a public advisory on Wednesday, the Philippine Heart Association said most AAAs develop silently without symptoms, often going undetected until they enlarge or rupture.

However, some warning signs may appear, which include unexplained abdominal enlargement or lump; persistent s...