An aneurysm is an abnormal ballooning or enlargement of a blood vessel. When this happens in the abdominal portion of the aorta (the largest blood vessel in the body) it is known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Aneurysms are caused when the lining in the wall of the blood vessel becomes weakened and expands in size. When the aneurysm reaches approximately five (5) centimeters, it is at high risk for rupture. Most physicians will consider surgery once the aneurysm reaches this measurement.
Life Line Screening uses ultrasound energy to screen for the presence of an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta and measure its size along the course of the vessel. The technologist applies an acoustic gel on your abdomen. A painless instrument, a transducer, is moved around your stomach to visualize the inside of the abdominal aorta.
Learn More about AAA
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Warning Signs
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Risk Factors
