Abdominal aorta ultrasound
abdominal aortic ultrasound · AAA screening · aortic aneurysm screening · aorta ultrasound
The doctor uses ultrasound to look at the main artery in your belly. It shows if it is widened or has plaques.
To check for a widened aorta in older men and smokers, for a pulsing feeling in the belly, or with blood vessel disease.
⏱ Duration: usually 15 to 20 minutes; the report is ready right away
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. Usually fasting: 6 to 8 hours without food. Check with the clinic.
- Gas. For 1 to 2 days before, eat less food that causes gas: cabbage, beans, fizzy drinks.
- Clothing. Comfortable clothes, so your belly is easy to uncover.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past belly ultrasounds or CT scans
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- You lie on your back
- Gel is put on your belly
- The doctor moves the probe from the top of the belly down to the navel
- The width of the aorta is measured in several places
- Sometimes the vessels going to the legs are checked too
What you'll feel
- Cool gel and pressure from the probe on your belly
Afterwards
- You can eat right away and go back to your day
- The report is usually ready right away
- If the aorta is widened, the doctor will tell you how often to have checks
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Sudden severe pain in the belly or back, weakness, or fainting: call emergency services right away
Common questions
Who should have the aorta checked?
Usually older men, especially smokers, and people with a family history of a widened aorta.
What if my aorta is widened?
Most often it is simply watched and measured regularly. Your doctor will decide if treatment is needed.