Others relate to personal habits. Thumb test for aortic aneurysms. Thumb test for Aortic Aneurysm. A carotid ultrasound is performed to examine for tightened carotid arteries, which boost the danger of stroke. . 1. We conducted the thumb-palm test in 305 patients undergoing cardiac surgery with intra-operative (TEE) for a variety of disorders: ascending aneurysm in 59 (19. GameStop Moderna Pfizer Johnson & Johnson AstraZeneca Walgreens Best Buy Novavax SpaceX Tesla. A Yale study has found that a self-conducted test involving the thumb and palm of one hand could help alert thousands of people each year to their risk of having a hidden aortic aneurysm. 2021. Although there has been a decline in AAA incidence as a result of the decline in cigarette smoking, population-based studies in men older than 60 years still report an AAA. As aneurysms get bigger, their risk of rupture increases. It may occur in any blood vessel, but most often develops in an artery rather than a vein. In the study, more than 300 heart patients took the thumb test. If the thumb extends past the very edge of the flat palm (don’t flex your palm!), this may indicate a hidden aneurysm. 4%) and non-AscAA disease in 246 (80. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM I71. Difficulty breathing. That is to say, a positive test implies a substantial likelihood of harboring an ascending aortic aneurysm. Elefteriades and other researchers told Yale News they believe the thumb-palm test should be used by doctors in routine physical exams to catch an aortic aneurysm early. The body's main artery is called the aorta. S. a Elastica van. The aorta carries blood from the heart to the body. 2021 Dec 15;161:117-118. Ischemic stroke. Thoracic aortic aneurysms often go unnoticed because people rarely feel symptoms. A simple test using one’s thumb might be the unassuming key that uncovers a serious heart condition: an ascending aortic aneurysm. The test should especially. Check your pulse in your arms and legs to see whether it feels weaker than normal. Carotid (kuh-ROT-id) ultrasound is a safe, painless treatment that uses acoustic waves to take a look at the blood flow via the carotid arteries. 4), and >3000. is to say, a positive test implies a substantial likelihood of harboring an ascending aortic aneurysm. Walk In Lab Health Screening: Thumb Test For Aortic Aneurysms. Familial Aneurysm Syndrome Test Guide. Pain in the neck, jaw, back, chest, stomach area or shoulder, depending on where the aneurysm is located. The two types of aortic aneurysms are: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur in the lower half of the body. A surgeon inserts a thin, flexible tube, called a catheter, through an artery in the groin area and guides it to the aorta. When an aneurysm develops, the aorta expands and its walls become weaker, similar to an expanding balloon. An ascending aortic root aneurysm procedure may be done in two ways. Key factors to avoiding an aneurysm or preventing one from rupturing include monitoring your. The thumb-palm test is. Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a focal enlargement of the thoracic aorta, but the etiology of this disease is not fully understood. We have noted informally that many patients who are referred to our institution with documented thoracic aortic aneurysms can cross their thumb beyond the edge of the flat palm—a positive ‘thumb-palm’ test—even in the absence of other stigmata of Marfan syndrome or other connective tissue diseases. According to a Yale News report, aortic aneurysms are the 13 th most common cause of U. 5 preventive health screenings: Carotid Artery Disease, PAD, AAA, Afib, Osteporosis. Screenings are examinations that seek illness before you have signs and symptoms. Finding an aortic aneurysm before it ruptures offers your best chance of recovery. The three types of aortic aneurysms include: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), an aneurysm in the lower part of the aorta. . Positive Predictive Value of the Thumb-Palm Test for General Population Screening of Ascending Aortic Aneurysm Am J Cardiol . The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. 10 Risk factors include hypertension, increasing age, tobacco use, atherosclerosis, and congenital lesions (eg, bicuspid aortic valve and aortic coarctation). These aneurysms risk major life-threatening complications such as rupture or dissection. The. Types of Aortic Aneurysms. Healthy food is near and around us. doi: 10. . Thumb palm aneurysm test. In aortic valve and aortic root replacement (bottom-right image), the aortic valve and a part of the aorta. Diao, Wu, and Manrai from the Informatics Program at Boston Children's Hospital. Get screened for a stroke and cardiovascular disease risk near by. This test uses X-rays and computer technology to make horizontal, or axial, images (often called slices) of the body. 223. Get screened for a stroke and cardiovascular disease risk near by. A Yale study has found that a self-conducted test involving the thumb and palm of one hand could help alert thousands of people each year to their risk of having a hidden aortic aneurysm. Feel your skin to see if it's clammy. A CT scan is considered a very safe procedure and generally involves only a small amount of X-ray radiation exposure. Aortic aneurysm describes an aorta that is enlarged in size. In other words, the majority of aneurysm patients do not manifest a positive thumb-palm sign, but patients who do have a positive sign have a very high likelihood of harboring an ascending aneurysm. Sound waves are used to show how blood flows through the structures in the belly area, including the aorta. We will describe and illustrate the imaging findings for endoleaks involving abdominal aortic aneurysms. Intervention should be considered when the diameter of a thoracic aortic aneurysm reaches 5. Get screened for a stroke and cardiovascular disease risk near by. Thumb Test to detect Aortic AneurysmA simple thumb test could be used to identify people at risk of a condition that can kill in minutes and has no symptoms. Thumb palm test aneurysm. The self-conducted test, proposed by experts affiliated with the Aortic Institute at Yale New Haven Hospital, requires holding up one hand as if signaling. The bulge is. 5%) but high specificity (98. 4 cm Thoracic Aortic root dilation >3. Hindfoot deformity — 2Thoracic aortic aneurysms often go unnoticed because people rarely feel symptoms. 5%) for the thumb-palm test in detecting ascending aortic aneurysm. An angiography: This X-ray image utilizes a special type of dye and takes images of the blood vessels via a particular type of camera. 5 times its normal size. This buildup, called atherosclerosis, is among the leading sources of stroke. Thumb Test Aneurysm. Carotid (kuh-ROT-id) ultrasound is a risk-free, pain free procedure that makes use of sound waves to check out the blood circulation via the carotid arteries. Photo illustration by WeBeFit; Facebook; Twitter; WhatsApp; SMS; Email; Print; Copy article link; Save; WEBEFIT. A carotid ultrasound is done to evaluate for narrowed carotid arteries, which boost the threat of stroke. This process is called a dissection. A carotid ultrasound is done to test for narrowed carotid arteries, which boost the danger of stroke. It will indicate if a person is harbouring an aortic aneurysm — an. The abdominal aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body and is usually around 2cm wide – roughly the width of a garden hose. Rabenstein AP, Bilfinger TV, Loh S, McLarty AJ: Extra-anatomic aortic bypass. increased aortic stiffness. An abdominal aortic aneurysm happens when the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the tummy (the aorta) becomes weakened. Sudden, severe chest pain, abdominal pain or back pain. g. A self-conducted test involving the thumb & palm of one hand could help. dilatation at the aortic sinotubular junction. Photo illustration by WeBeFit; Facebook; Twitter; WhatsApp; SMS; Email; Print; Copy article link; Save;. Pain in the chest or back. The classic presentation of MFS includes aortic aneurysm or dissection, long extremities, arachnodactyly, joint hypermobility, and subluxation of the lens of the eye. 5 times the normal diameter of 2. Talk to your doctor about whether the benefits of screening would outweigh the risks in your case. Reduce the amount of sodium and cholesterol in your diet. Glenn Professor of Surgery at Yale University and director emeritus of the Aortic Institute. An aneurysm is an enlargement of the aorta and as the aorta enlarges, it becomes thinner. A review of the relevant scientific publications, concerning the etiology, pathogeny, histology, and molecular markers is presented in this chapter. Small abdominal aortic aneurysms, up to 5. We have noted informally that many patients who are referred to our institution with documented thoracic aortic aneurysms can cross their thumb beyond the edge of the flat palm—a positive ‘thumb-palm’ test—even in the absence of other stigmata of Marfan syndrome or other connective tissue diseases. Men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked should undergo a one-time ultrasound screening test for this condition. Syphilitic Aneurysm – Ascending Arch of Aorta Aneurysm Aortic Valve. Get screened for a stroke and cardiovascular disease risk near by. An aneurysm is a bulge or weakness in your blood vessel. Introduction. The aorta is the largest artery. These aneurysms are usually asymptomatic until they rupture which is a catastrophic complication. Just stick out your hand like you're telling someone to stop, and then see how far your thumb can stretch across your palm. One in 10 people with abdominal aortic aneurysms have a family history of them. 1 per 1 million people in the United States. Finding an aortic aneurysm before it ruptures offers your best chance of recovery. An aneurysm is a bulging, weak area in the wall of a blood vessel. Thumb Test For Aortic Aneurysms. Elytriades, MD, the William W. 800. Aortic disease can manifest as aortic failure in the form of life-threatening dissection or rupture that is sometimes preceded by aneurysm development 1,2,3 (Fig. The aneurysm can burst completely, causing bleeding inside the body. 5 centimeters in diameter is found, it should be followed for 6 to 12 months to. Aortic root dilation (with a z score ≥ 2 for adults ages 20 or older or a z score ≥ 3 for patients younger than age 20) Systemic feature scoring table Feature and value. Categories. 3 For any given patient. Aortic dissection. 1 The most worrying complication of AAA is rupture, which is usually fatal, with a reported age‐adjusted annual mortality of 15. . The larger an aneurysm is, the greater the chances are that it will rupture. , 150 (2021), pp. Get screened for a stroke and cardiovascular disease risk near by. 4. Thumb aneurysm test. Causes of a Numb Thumb or Hand. However, the relevance of using angiotensin II induction model to. By Daniel Reynen Citizen Health Columnist; Dec 16, 2021 Dec 16, 2021; Facebook; Twitter;Thumb palm test for aortic aneurysm. Pressure on a nerve is one of the most common causes of a numb thumb. The most common emergency test for aortic aneurysm involves a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, and possibly abdomen and pelvis. Some doctors think that other groups should be screened too. It is a simple test you can do right now, and it could save your life. It is not known how accurate this test may be. An MRI scan: This uilizes very strong. A simple thumb test that you can do from the comfort of your own home can reveal if you're at risk of a deadly heart problem. Aneurysms of the aortic root and ascending aorta are typically diagnosed at younger patient ages than aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta (60 versus 72 years, respectively). g. Importance Abdominal aortic aneurysms affect more than 3% of US older adults. We appreciate the thoughtful analysis of our study by Drs. Stroke symptoms, which can develop when the dissection affects blood vessels leading to the brain. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is defined as a dilatation of the abdominal aorta greater than 3cm. In other words, the majority of aneurysm patients do not manifest a positive thumb-palm sign, but patients who do have a positive sign have a very high likelihood of harboring an. They kill about 10,000 people each year and affect adults of all ages. 5 preventive health screenings: Carotid Artery Disease, PAD, AAA, Afib, Osteporosis. We calculated the accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) of the thumb palm test in determining presence or absence of AscAA (defined as ascending aortic diameter > 3. Enter Zip code for the lab nearest you. (3). The split or tear enables blood to seep between the aortic wall’s three layers, which can eventually lead to aortic. Thumb Test For Aortic Aneurysms. Feeling full after not eating very much. 0 cm or larger. g. Mutations in several genes have been associated with an increased risk for aneurysm and dissection of the thoracic aorta and other major arteries. Ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a condition that occurs when part of the aorta becomes enlarged. Get screened for a stroke and cardiovascular disease risk near by. 1 Consider cardiopulmonary exercise testing when assessing people for elective repair of an asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), if it will assist in shared decision making. The U. positive thumb–wrist and/or thumb–palm signs for Marfan syndrome. Introduction. Carotid arteries are generally narrowed by a buildup of plaque – composed of fat,. Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder that affects the microfibrils and elastin in connective tissue throughout the body. Their hospital-based study population comprised 305 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, including 93 patients (30. If they burst, abdominal aortic aneurysms can be fatal. Yale Experts Explain How to Test Yourself for Aortic Aneurysms With a Thumb Test. According to a Yale News report, aortic aneurysms are the 13 th most common cause of U. Abdominal ultrasound: An abdominal ultrasound is performed to evaluate abdominal structures, including the abdominal aorta. They kill about 10,000 people each year and affect adults of all ages. S. It is a clinical test in which the tip of the thumb extends beyond the palm when the thumb is clasped in the clenched hand. 1965; 50: 364–373. A Yale study has found that a self-conducted test involving the thumb and palm of one hand could help alert thousands of people each year to their risk of having a hidden aortic aneurysm. 5%), meaning that many patients with disease will not be identified. Doctors use multiple tests to confirm a brain aneurysm diagnosis: MRA: A magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) scan is a type of MRI scan that's specifically for blood vessels. However, “spreading knowledge of this test may very well identify carriers of silent aneurysms and save lives,” said Dr. (FBC) test looks for abnormalities in the blood, such as unusually high or low numbers of blood cells. 5 preventive health screenings: Carotid Artery Disease, PAD, AAA, Afib, Osteporosis. Aortic root dilation (with a z score ≥ 2 for adults ages 20 or older or a z score ≥ 3 for patients younger than age 20) Systemic feature scoring table Feature and value. Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess the anticipated incremental risk of a concomitant aortic resection performed with an aortic valve replacement. If your thoracic aortic aneurysm is small, your health care provider may recommend medicine and imaging tests to watch the aneurysm. Objectives: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in a hostile neck has been associated with adverse outcomes. Carotid (kuh-ROT-id) ultrasound is a secure, painless treatment that utilizes sound waves to examine the blood flow via the carotid arteries. John A. Symptoms of a burst aortic aneurysm include: Sudden severe abdominal (tummy) and/or back pain. This occurs because of the weak connective tissues observed in people with aortic aneurysms enabling the thumb to protrude the. Aneurysm thumb palm test. We aimed to determine the association of infrarenal aortic neck angle and length and establish an optimal cutoff value to predict intraoperative neck complications and postoperative outcomes. Carotid (kuh-ROT-id) ultrasound is a secure, painless procedure that makes use of acoustic waves to take a look at the blood flow through the carotid arteries. “Only a minority of patients with aneurysms have a positive test,”. A test known as the thumb-palm test, is used to help detect aortic aneurysm. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of I71. The outcomes can help your medical professional figure out a treatment to decrease your stroke danger. An aneurysm usually occurs where the wall has become weak and has lost its elastic properties, so it doesn’t return to its normal shape after the blood has passed through. Doctors from Yale University claim that aortic aneurysms are the 13th highest cause of death in the US, responsible for 10,000 lives lost each year. Thumb Palm Test Aortic Aneurysm. 1The test is checking for connective tissue disease. No case of Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos or other collagen disorder was identified. An aneurysm is a weak, bulging area in the aorta wall. The aorta is the largest artery in the body. Dr. The prevalence of AAAs varies according to race and gender and increases with age. This process is called a dissection. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a. Arterial tortuosity and aortic aneurysms Cleft palate/bifid uvula Hypertelorism. 123. A simple thumb test can reveal if you are at risk of having a deadly heart problem that can kill in minutes. 5 preventive health screenings: Carotid Artery Disease, PAD, AAA, Afib, Osteporosis. The test involves crossing the thump across the palm. We just need to recognize it! Vegetables; MeatAneurysm >3 cm localized, segmental, full-thickness enlargement from diaphragm to bifurcation to right and left iliac arteries Surgery recommended Size >5. It is a simple test you can do right now, and it could save your life. smoke or used to smoke. • Symptoms include chest or abdominal pain, cough, shortness of breath. Abdominal aortic aneurysm. 36 These patients with. 08. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are defined as having an aortic diameter of more than 3 cm. Ischemic stroke. m. 5%), meaning that a positive test accurately connotes an aneurysm. Abdominal aortic aneurysm – requires drugs to control high blood pressure and surgery to repair the aneurysm if necessary. The new test could help to identify if a person has an unknown aortic aneurysm- an abnormal bulge that occurs in the wall of the major blood vessel. If it crosses beyond the far edge of the flat palm, you may be harbouring a hidden aneurysm. MFS is associated with disorders of the cardiovascular system (e. Increase of mean pressure gradient with exercise. The aorta is your body’s largest artery. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common life‐threatening disease that affects 1% to 2% of men by the age of 65 years. Your 2 carotid arteries lie on each side of your neck. 5 preventive health screenings: Carotid Artery Disease, PAD, AAA, Afib, Osteporosis. Introduction. Elefteriades. Shortness of breath if the aneurysm presses on your lung. 5 preventive health screenings: Carotid Artery Disease, PAD, AAA, Afib, Osteporosis. The larger an aneurysm grows, the more likely it will burst or rupture, causing intense abdominal or back pain. It is a simple test you can do right now, and it could save your life. Imaging tests can be used to confirm or screen for a thoracic aortic aneurysm. One in four aortic aneurysms are TAAs. Thumb palm test aneurysm. Cardiol. Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease has the characteristic of heredity with variable genetic penetrance. be ordered when there is a previous positive genetic test result in the family. For instance, risks of aortic rupture. Thumb palm test aneurysm. A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a weakened area in the body's main artery in the chest. Get screened for a stroke and cardiovascular disease risk near by. One case describes the absence of the ulnar digital artery on ultrasound, and the authors therefore opted for repair using an arterial graft. A simple thumb test could be used to identify people at risk of a condition that can kill in minutes and has no symptoms. Aortic aneurysms are permanent, localized dilations of the aorta that exceed the normal aortic diameter by at least 50%. 1016/j. That is to say, a positive test implies a substantial likelihood of harboring an ascending aortic aneurysm. Additional symptoms that may accompany an aortic dissection include: Abdominal pain, which can arise if the dissection extends into the abdominal aorta. Trouble swallowing due to pressure on the esophagus. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is defined as an aorta having a diameter of at least one and a-half times the normal diameter of the aorta at the level of the renal arteries [1]. Some people are born with them. Objective To test whether doxycycline reduces the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysm over 2 years as measured by. An aortic aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart through the chest and torso. 6. deaths. Aortic disease is the direct cause of close to 10 000 deaths annually in the United States. S. These aneurysms are usually asymptomatic until they rupture which is a catastrophic complication. In other words, the majority of aneurysm patients do not manifest a positive thumb-palm sign, but patients who do have a positive sign have a very high likelihood of harboring an. Some conditions that medical professionals commonly screen for. Hoarseness. So it’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons of surgery before making a decision. Thumb-palm test may indicate risk of aortic aneurysm, researchers say Erica Carbajal - Thursday, May 27th, 2021 Print | Email Listen While keeping the palm. A metal mesh tube on the end of the catheter is placed at the site of. Thumb palm test for aneurysm. The test produces images that are 2D slices of the brain. An aortic aneurysm is a bulge that occurs in the wall of the body's main artery, called the aorta. An aneurysm is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning greater than 50% of the vessel's normal diameter (width). Aneurysms can develop anywhere in the aorta. A negative thumb test does not guarantee an aneurysm. According to a Yale News report, aortic aneurysms are the 13 th most common cause of U. To do the “thumb palm test”, hold up one hand and keep the palm flat. The intrarenal area of the abdomen, just below the kidneys, is one of the most common places to develop an abdominal aneurysm. According to a Yale News report, aortic aneurysms are the 13 th most common cause of U. . A metal mesh tube on the end of the catheter is placed at the site of. Being able to move the thumb in that way is an indirect indication that a person’s joints are lax. Tenderness or pain in the chest. aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection are the most fearsome consequences - findings suggestive of higher risk of aortic dissection are: family history of aortic dissection. In an estimated 20% of people with aortic aneurysm, the first sign or symptom of an unrecognized abdominal aortic. The causes of aneurysms are sometimes unknown. 1. A negative test does not exclude an aneurysm. The thumb-palm test is not a guarantee that you have an aneurysm, and not all aneurysm patients have stretchy thumbs. Ischemic stroke. S. A study determined that the thumb palm test is effective in detecting how likely a person is to suffer an aortic aneurysm. They can also be hereditary. The other is in the abdomen and is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. On one hand, according to [1] 12%–14% of the population are affected. Dr. The thumb-palm test is. Just stick out your hand like you're telling someone to stop, and then see how far your thumb can stretch across your palm. Treating Aortic Aneurysm. Thumb palm test aneurysm. 029. Some aneurysms can run in families. those with a positive family history. The most common types of an aneurysm is in the aorta. 4% among people between 50 and 84 years of age, or 1. 7 cm Ascending aortic and arch disease, Behcet’s syndrome, and Reiter syndrome). Thumb test for aortic aneurysms. This is a medical emergency. A simple “thumb palm test” may indicate whether someone has an ascending aortic aneurysm, or a potentially fatal ballooning of a large artery in the heart, researchers say, suggesting the test be. Thumb test aneurysm. A negative test does not exclude an aneurysm. The diagnosis may be confused with renal calculus, diverticulitis, incarcerated hernia, or. Marfan’s syndrome is a systemic disorder of connective tissue caused by mutations in the extracellular matrix protein fibrillin 1. Surgery can prevent that from happening, but carries risks of its own. Aortic. The aortic valve stays in place. Test midface stability—grasp upper incisors and move anteroposterior. Pectus carinatum deformity — 2. 5 preventive health screenings: Carotid Artery Disease, PAD, AAA, Afib, Osteporosis. . 0 cm or more. Thumb Aneurysm Test. Thumb Test to detect Aortic AneurysmA simple thumb test could be used to identify people at risk of a condition that can kill in minutes and has no symptoms. Thumb Palm Test For Aneurysm. A simple test using one’s thumb might be the unassuming key that uncovers a serious heart condition: an ascending aortic aneurysm. It is a simple test you can do right now, and it could save your life. The force of blood pumping can split the layers of the artery wall, allowing blood to leak in between them. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an aneurysm in the lower part of the aorta, the large artery that runs through the torso. And eat lean meats, lots of fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. It forms as a sac of blood. While the condition may cause discomfort, it typically goes undetected unless it. It also can detect the presence of an aneurysm. Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath as a result of pressure on the trachea (windpipe) Hoarseness as a result of pressure on the vocal cords. It may be used to check for a number of conditions. Pressure on a nerve is one of the most common causes of a numb thumb. An aneurysm can be categorized by its location, shape, and cause. These data provide valuable mechanistic insight into the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysm, reveal diagnostic markers, and identify new therapeutic targets. Their hospital-based study population comprised 305 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, including 93 patients (30. 1016/j. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a procedure to treat an aneurysm in the upper part of your aorta. 1-10 Population-based studies in men older than 60 years have. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is rare in people aged less than 50 years, but prevalence then rises sharply with increasing age. Aortic dissection. The thumb-palm test is not a guarantee that you have an aneurysm, and not all aneurysm patients have stretchy thumbs. The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to your body. In their recent study, Blumel et al1 reported low sensitivity (7. The thumb-palm test is. Overview. In the United States, the estimated prevalence is 1. Most abdominal aortic aneurysms cause no symptoms, but large ones may. Carotid arteries are generally narrowed by a build-up of plaque – comprised of. If an aneurysm ruptures or causes an aortic dissection, you may experience a sudden onset of severe symptoms including: sudden severe chest or upper back pain, sometimes described as a tearing or ripping feeling. An aneurysm can be a true aneurysm or a false aneurysm. Ischemic stroke. According to a Yale News report, aortic aneurysms are the 13 th most common cause of U. The researchers explain that being able to move the thumb in such a way can indicate that a patient has the long bones and lax joints associated with connective tissue diseases, including aneurysms. Aortic aneurysms are often diagnosed by a physical exam or an imaging test such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. deaths. Low blood pressure. Just stick out your hand like you're telling someone to stop, and then see how far your thumb can stretch across your palm. Listening to your heart. OBJECTIVE. AAAs can get bigger slowly and silently over many years. Besides. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from the heart down through the chest and tummy Credit: Alamy. If you do, your provider will recommend additional ultrasounds at regular intervals (usually. The estimated prevalence of AAAs is 2 to 5 percent in populations older than 60 years. This build up, called atherosclerosis, is one of the leading sources of stroke.