More Men May Benefit from Aneurysm Test

Older male smokers should receive a one-time test to see if they have a swelling of the aorta in the abdomen. And the newest advice says that some male nonsmokers may benefit, too. The advice comes from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. An enlarged section of artery is called an aneurysm. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is most likely to occur in men who are current or past smokers. The task force recommends a one-time ultrasound scan for AAA for men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked. The latest update says that some men in the same age group who have never smoked also may benefit from a one-time ultrasound. They include men with a parent or sibling who had AAA or a personal history of aneurysm in another location. Those with heart or artery disease also might be at risk.