The Department of Veterans Affairs
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The Department of Veterans Affairs |
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Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound ProcedureI normally go into the San Francisco VA Hospital every six years or so to do testing on the abdominal aorta blood vessel and how it may have changed over the years. My doctor will eventually let me know as to the results of the procedure. This along with other research projects will help myself and other veterans with health issues.
The photo on the left was taken from my ultrasound of the major aorta blood vessel.
What is an aortic ultrasound? An ultrasound of the aorta, often referred to an
abdominal aortic ultrasound is a non-invasive, painless test that uses high-frequency sound waves to view the aorta, the main blood vessel leading away from the heart. The ultrasound is also able to capture video in real time.
It's the preferred screening method for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a weakened, bulging spot in the abdominal aorta — the major blood vessel that supplies blood to the body. However, the imaging test may be used to diagnose or rule out many other health conditions.
Your aorta is the main artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. It runs from your heart, down the center of your chest, and into your abdomen. It's normal to feel blood pumping through this large artery from time to time.
The most common cause of aortic aneurysms is "hardening of the arteries" called arteriosclerosis. A majority of aortic aneurysms are caused by arteriosclerosis.
The need for surgical treatment is related to size, which is linked to risk of rupture. Elective repair should be considered for aneurysms.
Created on: 2020.09.30
Updated on: 2020.09.30