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Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening
Ontario's provincial Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program encourages people 65 and older to have a one-time abdominal ultrasound; most need only one between 65 and 80.
- Who it is for
- People age 65 and older. Most need one screening ultrasound between ages 65 and 80.
- The test
- An ultrasound of your abdomen. It is quick, painless and does not use radiation.
- How to book
- A doctor or nurse practitioner needs to order the scan. Ontario Health sends invitation letters around age 65.
- Already had a scan?
- A normal screening result usually does not need repeating. If you have an aneurysm, follow the monitoring plan from your care team.
What this page helps with
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge in the main artery in the abdomen. It usually causes no symptoms, but a large aneurysm can rupture, which is often fatal. Ontario has a provincial AAA screening program. This page explains who it is for and how to get the ultrasound.
Symptoms are different from screening. If you have new or concerning symptoms, see a healthcare provider rather than waiting for a screening test. Severe or life-threatening symptoms: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Otherwise a provider, a walk-in or urgent care clinic, or Health811 (811) for advice on where to go.
Who the routine guidance is for, and who needs another pathway
Ontario encourages everyone age 65 and older to be checked. Most people need only one abdominal ultrasound between 65 and 80; a normal result usually does not need repeating. Smoking, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and a family history of aneurysm raise risk, but the program is not limited to smokers or to any one sex — Ontario’s provincial program differs from some older national recommendations that focused on men.
When you need a different plan. If you already know you have an aneurysm, monitoring is directed by your clinician or vascular team at intervals based on its size; a generic one-time screen does not apply. If you already had a screening ultrasound with a normal result, you usually do not need another. Outside the standard window, whether screening is worthwhile is an individual discussion, not an automatic no.
How to access it in Ontario
Ask a doctor or nurse practitioner for a requisition for an abdominal ultrasound; a clinician requisition is generally required. Ontario Health mails invitation letters around age 65 prompting this conversation. If you do not have a primary care provider, Health811 (811) or Health Care Connect (811) can help you navigate access — they do not issue the requisition themselves. See Getting screened.
Potential benefits and limitations
Finding an aneurysm early allows monitoring and, if it grows, planned repair instead of emergency surgery after rupture. Limitations: a small aneurysm can mean years of monitoring and worry; screening cannot prevent every rupture; and the test is not a way to investigate abdominal or back pain, which needs assessment.
What the test involves
An ultrasound technologist moves a probe over your abdomen with gel — about 10 minutes, no needles or radiation, and usually no special preparation. Follow any instructions from your booking clinic. A clear result means no repeat screening is needed for most people.
What happens after an abnormal result
If an aneurysm is found, the next step depends on its size: small aneurysms are monitored with repeat ultrasounds at set intervals; larger ones are referred to a vascular surgeon to discuss repair. Ontario's designated vascular centres coordinate this. If you have a known aortic aneurysm and develop sudden, severe abdominal or back pain, call 911. Do not wait for screening or a routine appointment.
Questions to ask your provider
- Have I already had an AAA ultrasound?
- Given my smoking, blood pressure and family history, is there anything else to consider?
- If an aneurysm is found, what monitoring would follow?
Sources
- AAA screening: current patient information and access — Ontario Health
- Aortic aneurysm: when to seek emergency help — MyHealth Alberta (emergency information, not Ontario screening eligibility)
- Ontario Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program — Ontario Health
- Ontario Launching New Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program (program announcement) — Ontario Newsroom
- Find a family doctor or nurse practitioner (Health Care Connect) — Government of Ontario
- National AAA screening recommendations: benefits and harms — Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care
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