We accept Medicare & Medicaid
Serenity By A Dr. Sareen

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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening: Who Should Be Checked and Why It Matters

An aneurysm in the main artery of the belly can grow for years without a single symptom, then become life-threatening all at once. That is the reason screening exists. Serenity By A Dr. Sareen sees adults at its Loxahatchee, West Palm Beach, and Belle Glade offices to review smoking history, blood pressure, family history and age, and to decide whether a screening ultrasound makes sense for you.

We accept Medicare & Medicaid

What it involves

MedlinePlus explains that an aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in the wall of an artery. Most aneurysms form in the aorta, the main artery running from the heart through the chest and abdomen. An abdominal aortic aneurysm, or AAA, is the most common type. It develops when the aortic wall weakens over time, and the larger it grows, the more likely it is to tear or burst.

Who this is for

  • Men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked, or who have a close relative with an aortic aneurysm.
  • Adults with a family history of aneurysm who want to know whether screening applies to them.
  • Patients with long-standing high blood pressure, high cholesterol or artery disease.
  • Anyone who has a pulsing feeling in the belly or unexplained back pain and wants it looked at.

What to expect

  • Questions about smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol, family history and any belly or back discomfort
  • A physical exam, including a check of the abdomen and the pulses in your legs
  • A conversation about whether a screening ultrasound is recommended for you, with imaging arranged by referral
  • A plan for blood pressure and cholesterol, and help with quitting smoking if that applies

Why an aneurysm is easy to miss

MedlinePlus states that most aortic aneurysms do not cause symptoms, and that they can develop slowly over many years. Some people notice a pulsing or throbbing feeling in the belly, or pain in the back, chest or abdomen, but many never feel anything before a problem occurs. Because nothing warns you, providers rely on risk factors rather than complaints. The risk list includes smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a family history of aneurysms, older age and male sex.

How it is found

A provider may find an aneurysm during a physical exam or during tests done for another reason. MedlinePlus says an ultrasound of the abdomen is the usual first test, and that a CT scan or MRI can show the size and shape in more detail. The practice does not list in-office ultrasound or CT, so these studies are arranged by referral and the results come back to your provider. The visit itself is the exam, the history and the decision about whether imaging is needed.

Who is on the screening list

According to the MedlinePlus encyclopedia, most men aged 65 to 75 who have smoked during their life should have the ultrasound one time, and some men in that age group who never smoked should too. The health topic page adds that men and women older than 75 who have smoked or have a close relative with an aneurysm may be screened, and that people with peripheral artery disease may also need it. The peripheral artery disease guide explains that connection.

What happens if one is found

Treatment depends on size and how fast the aneurysm is growing. MedlinePlus says small aneurysms are often watched with repeat imaging every few months or years while blood pressure and cholesterol are managed, and that large or fast-growing ones often need surgery to lower the risk of rupture. Surgery is typically considered when an aneurysm passes about 2 inches (5 centimeters) across. A small finding is therefore not a crisis, but it does need follow-up that your provider will set up.

What you can do about your risk

You may not be able to prevent an aneurysm, but MedlinePlus says you can lower your risk by not smoking, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, eating a heart-healthy diet and staying active. Smoking is the habit most strongly tied to this problem, and the quitting smoking guide describes how a visit can help. Cholesterol numbers are explained in the high cholesterol management page, and a provider can track both at routine checkups.

When belly or back pain is an emergency

A ruptured aneurysm causes sudden, severe internal bleeding and is a medical emergency. MedlinePlus says to call 911 right away for sudden, severe pain in the belly, chest or back, especially with dizziness, a fast heartbeat, clammy skin or fainting. The encyclopedia notes that only about 1 in 5 people survive a ruptured abdominal aneurysm, which is why finding one early matters. Do not wait for an appointment if these signs appear. Go to the nearest emergency room.

Who should be screened for an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Screening is usually done with an ultrasound. MedlinePlus lists men aged 65 to 75 who have smoked or have a close relative with an aortic aneurysm, and notes that other people may need it too. A provider at Serenity By A Dr. Sareen can review your history and refer you for imaging. Sudden severe belly, chest or back pain is an emergency, so call 911.

Does Serenity By A Dr. Sareen accept Medicare and Medicaid for abdominal aortic aneurysm screening guide?

Yes. Serenity By A Dr. Sareen accepts Medicare and Medicaid, along with major commercial insurance, at our South Florida locations. Call your nearest office and our staff will confirm your specific plan and any coverage details before scheduling your abdominal aortic aneurysm screening guide visit.

What are your office hours?

We're open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with same-day appointments and walk-ins welcome at our Loxahatchee, West Palm Beach, and Belle Glade offices. Call ahead of your visit if you'd like to confirm availability before you come in to see us.

Who is abdominal aortic aneurysm screening guide for?

Men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked, or who have a close relative with an aortic aneurysm. Our family and internal medicine team can talk through whether this fits your situation when you call to schedule a visit at one of our South Florida offices.

Does Medicare cover an aneurysm screening ultrasound?

Coverage depends on your plan and your risk factors, and the rules change, so ask before you go. Call the office and the staff can confirm what your plan lists for preventive visits. Bring your insurance card, and mention smoking history and family history so the provider can document why screening is being considered.

If I have never smoked, can I still have an aneurysm?

Yes. MedlinePlus lists high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history, older age and other factors alongside smoking. Never smoking lowers risk but does not remove it. A provider can look at the whole picture and say whether screening is worth considering for you or whether regular blood pressure care is enough.

Sources

Available at all locations

Schedule a Visit

Contact your nearest Serenity By A Dr. Sareen office to ask whether aneurysm screening fits your age and history.