This screening exam checks for abdominal aortic aneurysm, an abnormal enlargement of the aorta.

The aorta is the major artery supplying blood to the body. An aneurysm of the abdominal portion of the aorta is a widening and weakening of the blood vessel that can lead to severe complications such as aortic rupture, kidney failure, stroke, heart attack, and death. If the aneurysm is found before it ruptures, however, treatment can be very successful.

A clear gel spread over the abdomen allows a handheld ultrasound transducer to smoothly glide across the surface of the abdomen, producing an ultrasound image of the aorta. The test is considered painless and generally takes less than 30 minutes.

Clothing and jewelry around the abdomen will have to be removed during the procedure, so you should dress appropriately.

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Over age 50
• Male