Aortic Aneurysm Screening: Why Men Over 55 Should Know This
Aortic aneurysms may cause no symptoms. Learn how age, smoking and family history guide an individual discussion about abdominal ultrasound screening.
An aortic aneurysm can develop quietly, without an obvious warning. Finding it before an emergency creates an opportunity to measure it, arrange appropriate surveillance and discuss treatment when the balance of risks justifies repair. For men with a smoking history, high blood pressure or a family history of aneurysms, understanding personal risk is a useful starting point.
What is an aortic aneurysm?
The aorta is the main artery carrying blood away from the heart. An aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement of part of this artery as its wall stretches and weakens. It can occur in the chest or the abdomen. An abdominal aortic aneurysm, often shortened to AAA, affects the section in the tummy.
These distinctions matter because the investigation and follow-up depend on the part of the aorta involved. An abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to look for an AAA, but it is not a complete screening test for every condition affecting the chest aorta. Read more about aortic disease and its assessment.
Why can an aneurysm be present without symptoms?
Many aneurysms do not cause pain or a noticeable change in day-to-day health. They may be discovered during an ultrasound or CT scan performed for another reason. Feeling well therefore does not reliably exclude an aneurysm, and waiting for symptoms is not a screening strategy.
The important distinction is between screening someone who feels well and investigating symptoms. New abdominal or back pain requires a clinical assessment appropriate to its severity; it should not simply be booked as a routine screening appointment.
Should every man over 55 have an ultrasound?
No single age threshold applies to everyone. The video’s invitation to men over 55 is a prompt to discuss individual risk, particularly where smoking or family history is relevant. It should not be read as a universal recommendation to screen every man at 55.
Population screening recommendations commonly focus on older men, particularly those with a smoking history. These recommendations help guide a discussion; they do not replace an assessment of your family history, other risk factors and previous scan findings.
In Singapore, a discussion with your doctor can establish whether an ultrasound is appropriate for your circumstances. Bring details of any close relative with an aneurysm, previous imaging and your smoking and blood-pressure history. A family history may justify a discussion earlier than a population screening age.
What happens if an aneurysm is found?
The next step is a plan based on its location, size, growth and any symptoms, alongside your overall health. A small aneurysm may be monitored with repeat imaging. Surveillance means scheduled reassessment, rather than ignoring the finding.
Blood-pressure management and stopping smoking are important parts of care. Your clinician can explain when the next scan is due and which symptoms require urgent attention. Keep a record of the measurements and follow-up arrangements so that changes can be interpreted over time.
Does treatment always mean open surgery?
No. Some aneurysms can be repaired from inside the arteries using a stent graft, an approach known as endovascular repair. Others are better suited to open surgery. Suitability depends on the aneurysm’s anatomy and the person’s health; an operation is not automatically needed just because an aneurysm is discovered.
Early detection does not remove all risk or guarantee a particular treatment. It gives the clinical team more information and time to consider the options. Our aortic awareness information explains why recognition and follow-up matter.
When is urgent help needed?
Sudden severe abdominal or back pain, collapse, loss of consciousness or severe breathing difficulty can signal a life-threatening emergency. Call 995 in Singapore for emergency assistance. Do not wait for a clinic appointment or drive yourself if you are seriously unwell.
Where can I discuss aneurysm screening in Singapore?
For a non-emergency discussion about risk assessment or an existing aneurysm, contact Dr Andrew Choong’s clinic at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, #09-22, 38 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329563. Bring previous scan reports and a medication list so that the consultation can focus on a suitable assessment and follow-up plan.
This article provides general education and does not replace an individual medical assessment.