Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound An Overview
Heart health tests are a vital part of health evaluations in aging patients. An abdominal aorta ultrasound evaluates the rate of blood flow going through your aorta. Your physician will require this test to diagnose patients that are at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
The abdominal aorta ultrasound is a simple, cost-effective, painless, and non-invasive test. It is one of the most important heart and vascular services that the Buckeye Heart & Vascular Institute offers.
This common medical test uses ultrasound waves to produce diagnostic images of the aorta. The aorta pumps oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Contact the Buckeye Heart & Vascular Institute, or have your physician call us to schedule an abdominal aorta ultrasound today.
Why do you perform an abdominal aorta ultrasound?
An abdominal aorta ultrasound measures the size of the aorta and screens for abdominal aorta aneurysms. With an abdominal aorta ultrasound, a physician can closely monitor the aorta and assess a patient’s risk for aneurysm rupture.
Some patients are at a higher risk of an aneurysm, so a physician may recommend regular screening and testing to monitor the condition.
What are abdominal aortic aneurysms?
An aortic aneurysm happens when there is a weakening of the aortic vessel wall. This weakened area becomes enlarged and causes a reaction. These aneurysms develop over many years, so you might not experience immediate symptoms.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm symptoms can include:
- A pulsating bulge in your abdomen
- Severe and sudden pain in your abdomen
- Severe and sudden pain in your back
- Increased heart rate
- Pain spreading from your abdomen or back to your pelvis, legs, or buttocks
- Sweaty skin
- Fainting; sudden loss of consciousness