Patient Education

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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Should I Get a Screening Test?

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Should I Get a Screening Test?

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

Get the facts

Your options

  • Get a screening test for abdominal aortic aneurysm.
  • Don't get a screening test.

If you already have symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm and your doctor suspects that you have one, this topic is not for you. Your doctor will want you to have the test.

Key points to remember

  • Most abdominal aortic aneurysms, or AAAs, never cause problems. But sometimes they burst, which is often deadly.
  • Screening can find these aneurysms before they burst.
  • Screening can be harmful for some people, because it can also find aneurysms that will never cause problems. This may lead to dangerous surgery that isn't really needed.
  • People who are at higher risk for AAAs will get the most benefit from this test. You are at higher risk if you are a man who is age 65 to 75 and you have ever smoked.

FAQs

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Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.