Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening

What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dangerous enlargement of the main blood vessel (aorta) that supplies blood to your abdomen and lower body. When the aortic wall weakens, it can bulge outward like a balloon, risking rupture if left untreated.

Who Should Get Screened?

• Men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked
• Men aged 65-75 with a family history of AAA
• Women with risk factors (family history, smoking)
• People with certain genetic conditions affecting blood vessels

Risk Factors

• Smoking (current or past)
• High blood pressure
• Family history of AAA
• Advanced age
• Male gender
• Atherosclerosis

The Screening Process

What to Expect

• Quick, painless ultrasound examination
• Takes approximately 10-15 minutes
• No special preparation required
• Results available immediately

Screening Results

Normal: Aorta diameter < 3.0 cm Small AAA: 3.0-4.4 cm Medium AAA: 4.5-5.4 cm Large AAA: ≥ 5.5 cm

Follow-up Care

• Normal result: No further screening needed
• Small AAA: Regular monitoring every 12 months
• Medium AAA: Monitoring every 3-6 months
• Large AAA: Referral to vascular surgeon

Benefits of Screening

• Early detection prevents rupture
• Reduces AAA-related death by 50%
• Cost-effective prevention
• Peace of mind

Insurance Coverage

Medicare covers one-time AAA screening for eligible beneficiaries as part of the "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit.

Prevention Tips

1. Quit smoking
2. Control blood pressure
3. Maintain healthy cholesterol levels
4. Exercise regularly
5. Eat a heart-healthy diet