The AAA Ultrasound Scan
Ultrasound is regularly being used to evaluate abdominal aortic aneurysms. Abdominal aneurysm is a swelling of the aorta, the main blood vessel that brings blood for your heart to the rest of the body. The aorta is around 2.5 in the abdominal area, it can, however, swell to more than 5 cm.
Aneurysms are more common in men of 65+ years of age than in women and younger men, and they can be fatal as large aneurysms can burst. According to NHS Choices 8 out of 10 people with aortic aneurysm or AAA die.
It is highly unlikely that small aneurysms will cause any symptoms but large aneurysm can cause the following symptoms:
- Intense back or abdominal pain
- Rapid pulse
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Shock
- Although the causes of AAA are not fully understood, risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol
