Abdominal aorta ultrasound is a painless test we use to view your aorta. This artery runs down the middle of your body and supplies blood to the lower half of your body. We use sound wave technology to visualize the aorta, so there is no pain and minimal (if any) discomfort.
Why Is It Done
Abdominal aorta ultrasound in Los Angeles allows us to check your aorta for blockage, narrowed pathway due to plaque, or an aneurysm. The aorta runs from the heart through the chest and abdomen and supplies blood to the lower body. This test is used to look for aneurysms, balloon-like bulges in the aorta that can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding. It can also detect blockages in the aorta that can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
The Importance of Abdominal Aorta Ultrasounds
If you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm, you’re at risk for it rupturing. The larger the aneurysm, the greater the risk. Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms are fatal about half of the time. If you get medical help within an hour of the aneurysm rupturing, your chances of survival go up to about 80%. If you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm, your doctor may recommend monitoring it with regular ultrasounds.
But if the aneurysm is large or growing quickly, your doctor may recommend surgery or other treatments. An abdominal aorta ultrasound allows the surgeon to determine the health of your aorta, identify if you have an aneurysm, and curate a long-term treatment plan accordingly. As such, an abdominal aorta ultrasound in Los Angeles can be a life-saving diagnostic test for some people.
What to Expect
It is recommended that you do not eat for 8 to 12 hours before having an abdominal ultrasound. Fluids and food can make it difficult to get a clear picture of your aorta. We ask that you inform our office of any medications you are taking. Dr. Maddahi will advise on continuing these medications and whether you should drink fluids during your fast.
Your abdominal aorta ultrasound test at our Los Angeles office will take approximately 30 minutes. During the test, you will lie flat, and a bit of gel will be placed on your abdomen.
This gel helps to keep contact between your abdomen and the transducer. The transducer is a handheld wand the technician uses to take pictures of your aorta.
Your images are recorded and analyzed by Dr. Maddahi. If abnormalities are found in the abdominal aorta ultrasound, Dr. Maddahi will prepare a personalized treatment plan.
Creating a Successful Healthy Future
An abdominal aorta ultrasound in Los Angeles is just one of the ways Dr. Maddahi continues working to prevent heart disease and restore healthy hearts. He has successfully treated thousands of heart patients. Call our Los Angeles office at 310-824-4991 or click here to schedule your abdominal aorta ultrasound with Dr. Maddahi today!