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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

Since many aortic aneurysms are found during a routine physical exam, or while your doctor is looking for another condition, there are no special preparations necessary. If you're being screened for an aortic aneurysm, your doctor will likely ask if anyone in your family has ever had an aortic aneurysm, so have that information ready.

You should ask about the size of your aneurysm, whether your doctor has noticed any changes, and how frequently you should visit your doctor for follow-up appointments if he or she doesn't share this information with you.

If you're having an abdominal ultrasound to diagnose an aortic aneurysm, it's likely your doctor will tell you to not eat or drink anything for nine to 12 hours before your ultrasound. Most ultrasound exams are done in the morning so that you can eat soon afterward.

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Sept. 20, 2008

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