Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

What Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm? 

An aortic aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in your aorta, the largest blood vessel in your body. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) could occur in the part of your aorta below your chest. AAAs are the most common type of aneurysm. An AAA can be life-threatening if it dissects (tears) or ruptures (bursts). 

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms

Abdominal aortic aneurysms don’t usually cause symptoms, which is why it’s so important to get screened if you’re at risk. Without screenings, these aneurysms are usually discovered by accident during exams or procedures for other conditions (called incidental findings). 

An aneurysm that does cause symptoms may be large or advanced, meaning it could be close to dissecting or rupturing. Get medical care right away if you experience: 

• Cold, sweaty feet or hands
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heart rate
• Severe pain in your back or abdomen
• Sudden drop in blood pressure

Ultrasound for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm  

An abdominal aortic aneurysm screening is a quick, noninvasive ultrasound. An ultrasound uses sound waves to measure blood flow through your arteries and veins. It doesn’t require any sedation, and you can return to normal activities immediately. 

Who Needs Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening? 

We recommend one-time AAA screening for men ages 65 to 75 who have a history of smoking . Other risk factors include: 

• Being 65 or older
• Family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms
• Having atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in your arteries)
• Smoking or a history of smoking

Aneurysm Treatment at Our Center for Complex Aortic Disease

If we find an AAA during screening, we may order additional tests to learn more about the aneurysm and determine if you need treatment. We offer minimally invasive (endovascular) and open aneurysm repair at our Center for Complex Aortic Disease.