The honest answer: most aortic aneurysms have no warning signs at all. That's precisely why imaging exists — and why a 30-minute ultrasound at our Falmouth imaging center may be the most important test you've never thought to ask about.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dangerous enlargement of the main artery running through the abdomen. As the aortic wall weakens and balloons outward, most people feel absolutely nothing. No pain. No pressure. No pulsing. The aneurysm grows silently for years — until it ruptures. At that point, survival odds drop dramatically within minutes. Screening isn't just recommended — it's endorsed by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) with a Grade B recommendation for men aged 65—75 who have ever smoked.
A 30-MINUTE SCAN GIVES YOU THE ANSWER
Most aneurysms have NO symptoms until they rupture. That's why imaging matters. A 30-minute ultrasound at our Falmouth imaging center measures your aorta and gives you the answer — no radiation, no referral, results in 24—48 hours.
If you experience sudden, severe abdominal or back pain, a pulsating mass in your abdomen, or signs of shock (rapid heart rate, dizziness, loss of consciousness) — call 911 immediately. AAA rupture is a life-threatening emergency.
You can't feel an aneurysm growing. But you can know whether you're at elevated risk — and act accordingly.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force gives a Grade B recommendation (their second-highest rating) for one-time AAA screening with abdominal ultrasound for:
Medicare covers a one-time AAA screening ultrasound for qualifying male beneficiaries who have ever smoked, referred by a physician. BlackPoint Diagnostics also offers self-pay screening directly at our Falmouth imaging center for those who want answers without navigating the referral process.
Male sex, age 65+
Men are 5—10x more likely to develop AAA than women.
History of smoking
The strongest modifiable risk factor for AAA development.
Family history of AAA
Having a first-degree relative with AAA significantly raises risk.
High blood pressure
Chronic hypertension stresses arterial walls over time.
Known vascular disease
Atherosclerosis elsewhere raises risk of aortic involvement.
If imaging identifies an enlarged aorta, the management depends on the size. Aortas measuring 3—5.4 cm are typically monitored with periodic ultrasound to track growth rate. Aortas 5.5 cm or larger — or those growing rapidly (more than 5 mm in six months) — are generally referred to a vascular surgeon for evaluation of repair. The goal of imaging is to find aneurysms while they're still in the monitorable range, before rupture becomes the first sign.
The simplest imaging test you haven't gotten yet — and the one with potentially the most lifesaving value.
AAA Ultrasound · $397 in Falmouth
A focused abdominal ultrasound that measures the diameter of the aorta at the level of the renal arteries and distally. Evaluates for aneurysmal dilation (3 cm or greater), assesses the extent of any enlargement, and documents aortic wall characteristics. Takes approximately 30 minutes. Completely non-invasive, no radiation, no contrast agents.
80%+
Mortality rate for ruptured AAA — most patients do not survive long enough to reach the operating room
<5%
Operative mortality for elective repair of a non-ruptured AAA caught through screening
Without Imaging
With Imaging
Our registered cardiac and vascular sonographer scans at our Falmouth imaging center, or comes to your home with portable ultrasound equipment. A single study is $397 in Falmouth or $597 at your home. For an AAA ultrasound, the scan is brief and completely non-invasive. No preparation is required, though a light meal beforehand is ideal to reduce bowel gas that can occasionally limit visualization.
You lie on your back. Ultrasound gel is applied to the abdomen and the transducer is passed along the path of the aorta — from just below the sternum to where it divides. The aorta's diameter is measured at the level of the renal arteries and at the widest point. The study takes approximately 30 minutes. No pain. No radiation. No contrast.
The result is either reassuring (normal diameter, no aneurysm) or actionable (enlarged aorta, with documented measurements your physician can act on). The formal written report is delivered within 24—48 hours.
Most aortic aneurysms have no warning signs at all. A small percentage of people notice a pulsating feeling in the abdomen, deep abdominal or back pain, or groin discomfort. But the majority of AAAs are discovered incidentally or through proactive imaging — not through symptoms. This is precisely why screening is recommended for high-risk groups.
The USPSTF recommends one-time AAA screening for men aged 65—75 who have ever smoked (at least 100 cigarettes lifetime). Additional risk factors that may warrant discussion with a physician include family history of AAA, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and history of other vascular aneurysms. Medicare covers one-time screening for qualifying beneficiaries.
The scan measures the diameter of the abdominal aorta. A normal aorta is less than 3 cm. An aorta measuring 3—5.4 cm is considered a small to medium aneurysm, typically monitored with periodic ultrasound. An aorta 5.5 cm or larger — or one growing rapidly — is generally referred for surgical evaluation.
No referral is required for self-pay screening. You can book directly through our website and book our Falmouth imaging center. Results are reviewed and delivered within 24—48 hours. If you want Medicare to cover the screening, a physician referral is required — speak with your PCP.
A ruptured AAA is a life-threatening emergency. Symptoms include sudden, severe abdominal or back pain, a pulsating abdominal mass, and signs of shock. Call 911 immediately — every minute matters. AAA rupture carries extremely high mortality, which is why imaging before rupture is the only reliable strategy.
Southern Maine · Falmouth Imaging Center · No Referral
An AAA ultrasound at our Falmouth imaging center — 30 minutes, no radiation, no referral, results in 24—48 hours. If you're male, 65—75, and have ever smoked, the USPSTF recommends this screening. Don't wait for symptoms that may never come.
Book Your AAA UltrasoundAAA Ultrasound $397 in Falmouth · No Referral · No Radiation · Southern Maine
USPSTF Grade B recommendation for men 65—75 who ever smoked. Medicare covers one-time screening with physician referral.
