The Basics
If you are a man age 65 to 75 and have ever smoked, talk with your doctor about abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Your doctor may order an ultrasound test to check for AAA. An ultrasound uses sound waves to look inside the body.
What is AAA?
The aorta (a-or-ta) is the main blood vessel (artery) in your body. It brings blood to your pelvis, abdomen (or stomach), and legs.
If the wall of an artery is weak, the artery can swell like a balloon. This is an aneurysm (an-yur-izm). AAA occurs in the part of the aorta running through the abdomen.
Learn more about AAA:
