Abdominal Aorta

The abdominal aorta is the largest artery in your abdomen. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulging or ballooning of the major blood vessel that comes from your heart and runs through your abdomen area. An aneurysm occurs with a weakened spot in the aortic wall. If this is not treated, the aneurysm over time, with the constant pressure of moving blood, can stretch out the aorta and eventually rupture, much like air enlarges a balloon. This would be a very serious condition causing life threatening internal bleeding and potential death. 

Normal aorta	Enlarged aorta (abdominal aortic aneurysm)
We can assess for an enlarged aorta using our Abdominal Aorta screening.

• Certain things increase your chance of having an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• A family history of (AAA).
• Age (AAA is more common as you get older)
• Other risk factors are cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and chronic lung and cardio-vascular disease. 
    
• Each year approximately 15,000 people die from a ruptured AAA (Society of Interventional Radiology).
• AAA's are considered a silent killer. Most people do not experience physical signs related to their AAA.
• If untreated, this enlarged aorta may continue to enlarge over time, and could burst or rupture.
   
  "Your Health Matters" can screen you for this potentially deadly disease. Ultrasound screening is the method of choice for diagnosing AAA. If you have any of the risk factors mentioned above, please consider having this simple ultrasound screening test for AAA. This test is easy, takes little time and is offered at a very reasonable cost.

Examination time: 10 to 15 minutes, Cost: $40.00

 To get the best possible results, we recommend that you fast 3-4 hours before your screening time, for the Abdominal Aorta Screening only. If needed, you may take your prescriptions, with a cup of coffee or beverage.