Overview
An abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is an enlargement or ballooning of the main artery that leads from the heart to the lower abdomen. If left undiagnosed or untreated, it could rupture and possibly lead to death. Most people do not have any symptoms, which makes screening for AAA even more important.
A screening exam is a painless and noninvasive ultrasound test that takes images and measurements of the aorta, a main artery near the stomach. If an AAA is detected, your doctor can refer you to a doctor who specializes in managing and treating these conditions.
If you have any of the following risk factors, talk to your doctor about getting screened for an AAA.
- Hardening of the arteries
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- A family history of AAAs
- Smoking
- Male gender
- 55 years of age and older
