Abdominal aortic aneurysm (A.A.A.) is the ballooning of the abdominal aorta causing it to double in size or more. A.A.A.s usually occur in people from 65 to 75 years old and are more common among men and smokers. There are often no symptoms but can sometimes cause pain in the abdomen, back and/or legs due to pressure or in the legs (due to disturbed blood flow). The worst complication of abdominal aortic aneurysms is rupture, which can be life-threatening.

Do you have:

• History of smoking
• History of atherosclerosis (thickening of the artery walls)
• Family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm
• High blood pressure
• An aneurysm in one of your other arteries
• Chronic lung disease
• Advanced age of 60+

Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm
We use ultrasound technology to detect any evidence of A.A.A. The process is quick, non-invasive and painless. With a transducer, a technologist uses sound-waves, like sonar, to scan for the presence of an abnormally enlarged aorta. An enlarged aorta doesn't always mean the presence of A.A.A. but the condition should be closely monitored by your physician.

Anyone who has risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysms should have this screening.