An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when the lower part of the aorta enlarges and/or ruptures, causing life-threatening bleeding. If you feel deep or constant pain in your abdomen, constant back pain or a pulsing feeling near your navel, your abdominal aortic aneurysm could be growing. We recommend screening for men and women over the age of 60 who have hypertension, family history of aortic aneurysm or any significant smoking history. Anyone over the age of 60 with low back pain should be screened since an abdominal aortic aneurysm can be contributing to the back pain.

At Physicians Health & Wellness, we’ll perform an ultrasound screening on your abdomen to determine the size of the aneurysm and a best treatment plan to prevent further growth or rupture. We’ll then create a treatment plan for you that may include additional testing, referrals to specialists and lifestyle changes such as eliminating tobacco use, improving diet, increasing exercise and treating blood pressure and cholesterol. If we notice that your aneurysm is small and you’re not experiencing associated pain, we’ll recommend medical monitoring, which may involve continued screenings.

Learn more about ultrasound abdominal aortic screening from an osteopathic physician. Call 212.838.8265 for information or use our Request an Appointment form. We welcome patients from New York, Manhattan, Midtown, Queens, the Bronx and nearby areas.