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By Nancy Reid, Staff Writer
What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when a section of the aorta, the body's major blood vessel, balloons out and becomes enlarged. When this happens, your aorta can overstretch and burst, causing life-threatening bleeding.
Aortic aneurysms often do not cause pain or other symptoms. But if your doctor finds a large aneurysm that could burst, surgery is usually done to patch the bulging section. Luckily, many aortic aneurysms are small and not in danger of bursting. Generally, this type of aneurysm is monitored over time to see if it grows.
Who should be tested for an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Experts advise that all men ages 65 to 75 who smoke or have smoked in the past have ultrasounds to check for aortic aneurysm. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends this because these men are the most likely group to have this condition. The USPSTF, a leading government panel, reviews research and sets guidelines for preventive and primary care.
Your doctor may also advise that you be tested if you are at high risk, such as if you have a family history of aortic aneurysm or have other risk factors for this condition.
Should I get tested?
Talk to your doctor about your risks for abdominal aortic aneurysm and whether you should be tested. If you're a smoker, quitting is the best thing you can do to lower your risks.
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This article was reviewed and updated
08-01-2009.
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