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What is an Aortic Aneurysm Screening?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Aortic aneurysm screening is medical screening which is designed to identify the early signs of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) before it ruptures. When conducted properly and in populations at high risk, the screening can save lives. Recommendations for aortic aneurysm screening vary, depending on the nation, and are based on studies conducted by government agencies which make health screening recommendations. When determining whether or not to recommend screenings, these agencies aim to make sure that the benefits exceed the costs.

When someone has an abdominal aortic aneurysm, the wall of the aorta weakens and it expands, becoming much larger than it should be. The aneurysm is at risk of rupture, and if this occurs, the patient could die in minutes as a result of blood loss, thanks to the fact that the aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. Thus, screening is used to identify people with early-stage aneurysms to make medical intervention possible. Often, a AAA will go undiagnosed until it reaches a critical state, putting the patient at severe risk, while screening catches it early.

Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for aortic aneurysm.
Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for aortic aneurysm.

As a general rule, aortic aneurysm screening is recommended in men between 65-75 who have a history of smoking. This can include men who are currently smoking or men who have smoked more than 100 cigarettes in the past. The screening is also recommended for men and women with a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms. People may need a referral for aortic aneurysm screening if they want their private insurance or government benefits to cover the cost.

A diagram of the aorta. Aneurysms in the aorta can be extremely dangerous.
A diagram of the aorta. Aneurysms in the aorta can be extremely dangerous.

In the most basic screening, ultrasonography is used to image the aorta to look for signs of weakness and enlargement. Other medical imaging studies can be used as well for aortic aneurysm screening, but they can carry risks such as radiation exposure which make them less popular for use in medical screening. If a AAA is recognized during the screening, a doctor can discuss the options for treatment with the patient. Surgery is usually the recommended treatment.

Smoking cessation is an important part of managing an ascending aortic aneurysm.
Smoking cessation is an important part of managing an ascending aortic aneurysm.

People sometimes wonder why it is that if medical screening can save lives, it is not recommended for everyone. The reason for this is that sometimes screening carries risks which may not outweigh the benefits. In women, for example, the risks of unnecessary medical procedures, misdiagnosis, and emotional stress as a result of AAA screening outweigh the potential benefits, because the incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysms requiring medical intervention in women is so low.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon196406

Nearly every year I receive a "lifeline screening" request. I can quote the prices on it.

It started at $99 dollars a few years back, then went up to $125, and now is $139. I believe they obtained my name from my state nurses' registry. Guess they sell the names, huh?

I know I do not meet the guidelines, just came here to confirm it! I am a female way under 65. I

have never smoked a cigarette in my life. All my blood lipids are fine and I take over the counter fish oil and drink green tea for anti-oxidant stroke prevention. Tea is (green and black) highly effective at reducing cardiovascular event risks.

And here we have those "lifeline screening" companies that are really determined to make their doppler machine a cash cow! Drive up those health care costs in every possible manner out there.

By the way: in my many years as a nurse I never ran across anyone who experienced the aortic dissection they love to highlight in their ads, and my nursing friends who worked in the ER can remember one individual in their careers and that was a male.

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    • Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for aortic aneurysm.
      By: Николай Григорьев
      Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for aortic aneurysm.
    • A diagram of the aorta. Aneurysms in the aorta can be extremely dangerous.
      By: bilderzwerg
      A diagram of the aorta. Aneurysms in the aorta can be extremely dangerous.
    • Smoking cessation is an important part of managing an ascending aortic aneurysm.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Smoking cessation is an important part of managing an ascending aortic aneurysm.
    • Some aortic aneurysm screenings can result in a misdiagnosis of the condition.
      By: kirillica
      Some aortic aneurysm screenings can result in a misdiagnosis of the condition.