Topic Overview

Abdominal aortic aneurysms can be found during an ultrasound screening test. Screening tests help your doctor look for a certain disease or condition before any symptoms appear.

Not all doctors agree on who should be screened for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Talk to your doctor about whether the benefits of screening would outweigh the risks in your case. For more information, see:

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Should I Get a Screening Test?

For men

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a screening test for men who are ages 65 to 75 and have ever smoked.^{footnote 1}

Some doctors think that men 65 years and older should be screened if they have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm.^{footnote 2}

For women

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend screening for women who have never smoked.^{footnote 1}

Women have a lower risk for an aneurysm than men do. But some doctors think that certain women should be screened. Some recommend screening for women who are 65 and older and either have smoked or have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm.^{footnote 2}