An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening is a quick ultrasound scan of your abdomen to look for an aneurysm or weakness in the wall of the aorta. The aorta is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart. As blood flows through the aorta, the weakened area can bulge like a balloon and can potentially burst if it becomes too large.
More than 15,000 Americans die from ruptured aortic aneurysms each year, making it the 13th leading cause of death. Many patients don’t even make it to the hospital in time; those who do often die of complications. Fortunately, when an AAA is diagnosed early, it can be successfully treated and prevented from rupturing.
What causes an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
The most common cause of an aortic aneurysm is atherosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries"). Atherosclerosis is a gradual process in which cholesterol and scar tissue build up, forming a substance called plaque that can weaken or damage the walls of the blood vessels and make them more vulnerable to aneurysm formation.
Risk factors include:
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Age 60 years or older
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Diabetes
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Family history of AAA
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High blood pressure
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Smoking
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High cholesterol
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More common in men
What are the symptoms of AAA?
AAA is often a silent disease. Many patients do not experience any symptoms, particularly when the aneurysm is small. If there are symptoms, the most common ones are:
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Intense abdominal pain that may be constant or come and go
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Pain in the lower back that may radiate to the buttocks, groin or legs
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The feeling of a "heart beat" or pulse in the abdomen
What happens if an aortic aneurysmruptures?
A ruptured aneurysm is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency care.
What is the treatment for AAA?
Small aneurysm (less than five centimeters, or two inches) rarely rupture and may require no immediate treatment other than "watchful waiting"—checking the aneurysm regularly to be certain it does not grow. If an aneurysm grows larger, the risk that it will burst and bleed uncontrollably (hemorrhage) increases, and treatment is necessary. Depending on the individual, treatment may require surgery. However, for many patients, a less invasive procedure can be performed by a vascular surgeon and an interventional radiologist.
How is AAA diagnosed?
A careful physical examination can detect an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The doctor may be able to feel the aneurysm by pressing gently on the abdomen. If your physician suspects that you have an aneurysm, you may be referred for further testing. The aneurysm screening is a simple, non-invasive ultrasound examination that is conducted on an outpatient basis. This may help determine whether further evaluation is necessary. The cost of this screening is $45.00.
To schedule an AAA screening, call 888.364.6400.