The aorta is the body's main artery. It runs from the heart down through the chest and belly. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a weak, bulging spot in the belly section. Many cause no symptoms, so they are often found on a scan. Once you know about one, regular monitoring helps your doctor decide when treatment is needed.
Why the aorta matters
FCCI's vascular lab puts it simply: the aorta is the main source of blood throughout the body, so it is important to detect problems early. A bulge that grows can become dangerous, which is why measuring its size over time matters.
Possible symptoms
Many people feel nothing. When symptoms do appear, FCCI's lab lists these as reasons a scan may be ordered.
- A pulsing feeling near the belly
- Ongoing pain in or near the belly
- Back pain
Who is at higher risk
Risk rises with age, smoking, high blood pressure, plaque buildup in other arteries and a family history of aneurysm. If any of these apply, ask your doctor whether screening makes sense for you.
The ultrasound at FCCI
FCCI's abdominal aortic aneurysm endograft duplex examines the arteries in the belly and pelvis, including the aorta and iliac arteries. It can measure an aneurysm, check for a leak and check flow through an endograft if you have had one placed. It takes 30 to 45 minutes. Avoid food, drinks, tobacco and caffeine for 7 hours before.
When it is an emergency
Sudden, severe belly or back pain, especially with dizziness or fainting, can mean an aneurysm is leaking. Call 911 right away.
Where the scan is done
The aorta is checked at FCCI's accredited Non-Invasive Vascular Lab, Jacksonville's only lab dedicated entirely to vascular testing. Ultrasound does the work, with no needles, dye or radiation. If you already have an endograft, an endograft duplex takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Why patients choose FCCI
FCCI has served Northeast Florida since 2002 from offices in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Putnam and Ware counties and holds seven cardiovascular accreditations. Its outpatient labs in Jacksonville (2007) and Palatka (2016) are accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. Medicare, Tricare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana (with some exceptions) and other plans are accepted.
Getting it on the calendar
Aneurysms are often found by accident, so if a past scan mentioned your aorta, bring that report. Tell the team about smoking history and any aneurysm in your family, and ask whether you should skip eating before the scan.
The main line is 904.493.3333, Orange Park is 904.644.0092 and Palatka is 386.325.2836, or book through the booking page. Consider this background reading rather than medical advice. Sudden, severe belly or back pain is an emergency, so call 911.
