Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Resources
Each year, 20,000 people in Canada are diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is when a part of the large artery in the abdomen weakens and bulges. Many people with an AAA do not have symptoms, so it is possible to have an AAA without knowing it. In fact, many AAAs are found only during routine check-ups or when they burst and cause problems like internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
On This Page:
- The Importance of Finding an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Early
- What is an Aorta?
- What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
- When Should I Get Checked?
- How Do I get Checked?
- Are There Any Potential Benefits or Harms of Getting Checked?
- Invitation Letters Sent to the Public
- Types of Letters
- Privacy Notice
- You Can Change Your Mind About Getting Letters at any Time
- Alternative Format
The Importance of Finding an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Early
An abdominal ultrasound is all it takes to check for an AAA. This test could help find an aneurysm early and:
- Prevent life-threatening bursts
- Reduce AAA-related deaths
- Allow for safer treatment options, like less invasive surgery
What is an Aorta?
The aorta is the biggest blood vessel in the body. It carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The aorta starts at the top of the heart, travels up, and then goes down through the chest and into the abdomen. From there, the aorta branches out to supply blood to the legs and other organs.
What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
An aortic aneurysm is a weakening spot in the wall of the aorta, which is the biggest blood vessel in the body. The weakness can cause the aorta to stretch or bulge, creating an aneurysm. Over time, the aneurysms can grow and could eventually burst. A burst aneurysm is a medical emergency because it causes severe internal bleeding and can be life-threatening.
Most AAAs grow slowly without symptoms. However, in some cases, people may notice a throbbing sensation in the abdomen, back pain, or other discomfort if the aneurysm becomes large. Because AAAs often have no symptoms, it is important for people at higher risk (such as men aged 65 and older, or those with high blood pressure) to have an abdominal ultrasound.
Getting checked for an AAA through the Ontario Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program helps people understand more about AAAs, offers regular monitoring for people who have smaller aneurysms, and makes treatment recommendations for people who have larger or quickly growing aneurysms.
When Should I Get Checked?
In Ontario, everyone age 65 and older is encouraged to get checked for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). People in this age group have the highest chance of getting AAAs, but finding AAAs early through an abdominal ultrasound can mean treatment has a better chance of working.
If you are age 65 or older and have not been offered an abdominal ultrasound, you can ask your primary care provider for one.
How Do I get Checked?
Make an appointment with your primary care provider and ask them to send you for an abdominal ultrasound to check for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). If you do not have a primary care provider, you can find one through Health Care Connect at 1-800-445-1822 or visit the Health Care Connect website.
Are There Any Potential Benefits or Harms of Getting Checked?
The Ontario Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program offers abdominal ultrasound tests to find abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in people age 65 and older. The abdominal ultrasound checks for bulges in the aorta, which is a large blood vessel that carries blood throughout the body. These bulges are called AAAs and can be dangerous. If AAAs are not found early, they may grow larger and eventually tear, causing problems, like internal bleeding.
During an abdominal ultrasound test, a health care professional will place a small device, called a transducer, on your abdomen. This device sends sound waves into your body, which bounce off your aorta to create an image. The health care professional will check the image for any signs of a bulge or aneurysm.
An abdominal ultrasound is a simple, painless test, and usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You do not have to do anything to prepare for the test, and you can return to your normal activities right afterward.
Invitation Letters Sent to the Public
Ontario Health sends eligible people for the Ontario Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Program letters inviting them to have an abdominal ultrasound, to check for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). These letters are sent in English or French. If you would like to change the language of your letters and other information sent to you by Ontario Health, please contact ServiceOntario at 1-800-268-1154.
Types of Letters
We send letters inviting people to get checked for AAAs when they turn 65 years old. The privacy notice tells you about the Ontario Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program and how your information is protected.
September 9, 2025
JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1
Dear JANE SAMPLE:
I am writing to invite you to get checked for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with an abdominal ultrasound.
An AAA is a bulge in the wall of the aorta, which is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the abdomen and legs. An abdominal ultrasound can help find an AAA before it bursts and causes problems like internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
About 20,000 Canadians are diagnosed every year with an AAA. After age 65, your chance of getting an AAA goes up. Many people with an AAA do not have symptoms, so it is possible to have an AAA without knowing it. That is why getting checked is important.
An abdominal ultrasound is safe, free and only takes a few minutes. To help protect your health, call your doctor or nurse practitioner to make an appointment for your abdominal ultrasound as soon as you can.
Sincerely,
Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health
What is an aorta?
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the abdomen and legs. The aorta starts at the top of the heart, travels up and then curves down through the chest and into the abdomen. From there, the abdominal part of the aorta branches out to send blood to the abdominal organs and legs.
What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge in the wall of the aorta in the abdomen. Over time, the aneurysm can grow and could eventually burst. A burst in an aneurysm is a medical emergency because it causes serious internal bleeding and can be life-threatening.
Most AAAs grow slowly without symptoms. When someone has symptoms, it usually means the AAA is about to burst. Because AAAs often have no symptoms, it is important for people who have a higher chance of getting AAAs to have an abdominal ultrasound. This test can
help find an AAA early and treat it before it causes serious problems.
What happens during an abdominal ultrasound?
An abdominal ultrasound is a simple, painless test. A health care professional will put a small device on your abdomen, called an ultrasound probe. This probe sends sound waves into your body, which bounce off your aorta to create an image. The health care professional will check the image for any signs of a bulge or aneurysm. This test usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes and you can go back to your normal activities right after the test.
How often do I need an abdominal ultrasound and when should I stop testing?
Most people only need 1 abdominal ultrasound between the ages of 65 and 80. You may need more testing if your doctor or nurse practitioner thinks you have a higher chance of getting an AAA or if there are concerns after your abdominal ultrasound.
How can I get a doctor or nurse practitioner if I no longer have one?
Call Health811 at 811 (TTY: 1.866.797.0007) or visit ontario.ca/healthcareconnect. To find Indigenous-led health centres, visit iphcc.ca/meet-our-members or afhto.ca/find-team-near-you.
HOW TO LEARN MORE
Call your doctor or nurse practitioner to learn more about the abdominal ultrasound for AAA
For more information, scan this QR code or visit ontariohealth.ca/OAAASP
or-
Call toll-free: 1.866.662.9233
Monday to Friday (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Need this information in an accessible format? 1.877.280.8538 / TTY 1.800.855.0511 | info@ontariohealth.ca
Pour obtenir cette lettre personnalisée en français, appelez le 1.866.662.9233. Pour recevoir toutes les lettres de dépistage futures en français, contactez ServiceOntario au 1.800.268.1154 et changer votre langue préférée.
To stop getting screening letters, fill out the Participant Information Form at ontariohealth.ca/OAAASP
or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.
Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy-FAQs
OAAASPINVPN0725
September 9, 2025
JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1
Dear JANE SAMPLE:
I am writing on behalf of Dr. <FIRST NAME> <LAST NAME> to invite you to get checked for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with an abdominal ultrasound.
An AAA is a bulge in the wall of the aorta, which is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the abdomen and legs. An abdominal ultrasound can help find an AAA before it bursts and causes problems like internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
About 20,000 Canadians are diagnosed every year with an AAA. After age 65, your chance of getting an AAA goes up. Many people with an AAA do not have symptoms, so it is possible to have an AAA without knowing it. That is why getting checked is important.
An abdominal ultrasound is safe, free and only takes a few minutes. To help protect your health, call your doctor or nurse practitioner to make an appointment for your abdominal ultrasound as soon as you can.
Sincerely,
Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health
What is an aorta?
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the abdomen and legs. The aorta starts at the top of the heart, travels up and then curves down through the chest and into the abdomen. From there, the abdominal part of the aorta branches out to send blood to the abdominal organs and legs.
What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge in the wall of the aorta in the abdomen. Over time, the aneurysm can grow and could eventually burst. A burst in an aneurysm is a medical emergency because it causes serious internal bleeding and can be life-threatening.
Most AAAs grow slowly without symptoms. When someone has symptoms, it usually means the AAA is about to burst. Because AAAs often have no symptoms, it is important for people who have a higher chance of getting AAAs to have an abdominal ultrasound. This test can
help find an AAA early and treat it before it causes serious problems.
What happens during an abdominal ultrasound?
An abdominal ultrasound is a simple, painless test. A health care professional will put a small device on your abdomen, called an ultrasound probe. This probe sends sound waves into your body, which bounce off your aorta to create an image. The health care professional will check the image for any signs of a bulge or aneurysm. This test usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes and you can go back to your normal activities right after the test.
How often do I need an abdominal ultrasound and when should I stop testing?
Most people only need 1 abdominal ultrasound between the ages of 65 and 80. You may need more testing if your doctor or nurse practitioner thinks you have a higher chance of getting an AAA or if there are concerns after your abdominal ultrasound.
How can I get a doctor or nurse practitioner if I no longer have one?
Call Health811 at 811 (TTY: 1.866.797.0007) or visit ontario.ca/healthcareconnect. To find Indigenous-led health centres, visit iphcc.ca/meet-our-members or afhto.ca/find-team-near-you.
HOW TO LEARN MORE
Call your doctor or nurse practitioner to learn more about the abdominal ultrasound for AAA
For more information, scan this QR code or visit ontariohealth.ca/OAAASP
or-
Call toll-free: 1.866.662.9233 Monday to Friday (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Need this information in an accessible format? 1.877.280.8538 / TTY 1.800.855.0511 | info@ontariohealth.ca
Pour obtenir cette lettre personnalisée en français, appelez le 1.866.662.9233. Pour recevoir toutes les lettres de dépistage futures en français, contactez ServiceOntario au 1.800.268.1154 et changer votre langue préférée.
To stop getting screening letters, fill out the Participant Information Form at ontariohealth.ca/OAAASP
or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.
Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy-FAQs
OAAASPINVPLCPN0725
September 9, 2025
JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1
Dear JANE SAMPLE:
I am writing to remind you to get checked for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with an abdominal ultrasound.
An AAA is a bulge in the wall of the aorta, which is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the abdomen and legs. An abdominal ultrasound can help find an AAA before it bursts and causes problems like internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
About 20,000 Canadians are diagnosed every year with an AAA. After age 65, your chance of getting an AAA goes up. Many people with an AAA do not have symptoms, so it is possible to have an AAA without knowing it. That is why getting checked is important.
An abdominal ultrasound is safe, free and only takes a few minutes. To help protect your health, call your doctor or nurse practitioner to make an appointment for your abdominal ultrasound as soon as you can.
Sincerely,
Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health
What is an aorta?
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the abdomen and legs. The aorta starts at the top of the heart, travels up and then curves down through the chest and into the abdomen. From there, the abdominal part of the aorta branches out to send blood to the abdominal organs and legs.
What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge in the wall of the aorta in the abdomen. Over time, the aneurysm can grow and could eventually burst. A burst in an aneurysm is a medical emergency because it causes serious internal bleeding and can be life-threatening.
Most AAAs grow slowly without symptoms. When someone has symptoms, it usually means the AAA is about to burst. Because AAAs often have no symptoms, it is important for people who have a higher chance of getting AAAs to have an abdominal ultrasound. This test can
help find an AAA early and treat it before it causes serious problems.
What happens during an abdominal ultrasound?
An abdominal ultrasound is a simple, painless test. A health care professional will put a small device on your abdomen, called an ultrasound probe. This probe sends sound waves into your body, which bounce off your aorta to create an image. The health care professional will check the image for any signs of a bulge or aneurysm. This test usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes and you can go back to your normal activities right after the test.
How often do I need an abdominal ultrasound and when should I stop testing?
Most people only need 1 abdominal ultrasound between the ages of 65 and 80. You may need more testing if your doctor or nurse practitioner thinks you have a higher chance of getting an AAA or if there are concerns after your abdominal ultrasound.
How can I get a doctor or nurse practitioner if I no longer have one?
Call Health811 at 811 (TTY: 1.866.797.0007) or visit ontario.ca/healthcareconnect. To find Indigenous-led health centres, visit iphcc.ca/meet-our-members or afhto.ca/find-team-near-you.
HOW TO LEARN MORE
Call your doctor or nurse practitioner to learn more about the abdominal ultrasound for AAA
For more information, scan this QR code or visit ontariohealth.ca/OAAASP
or-
Call toll-free: 1.866.662.9233 Monday to Friday (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Need this information in an accessible format? 1.877.280.8538 / TTY 1.800.855.0511 | info@ontariohealth.ca
Pour obtenir cette lettre personnalisée en français, appelez le 1.866.662.9233. Pour recevoir toutes les lettres de dépistage futures en français, contactez ServiceOntario au 1.800.268.1154 et changer votre langue préférée.
To stop getting screening letters, fill out the Participant Information Form at ontariohealth.ca/OAAASP
or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.
Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy-FAQs
OAAASPINVRMD0725
September 9, 2025
JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1
Dear JANE SAMPLE:
I am writing on behalf of Dr. <FIRST NAME> <LAST NAME> to remind you to get checked for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with an abdominal ultrasound.
An AAA is a bulge in the wall of the aorta, which is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the abdomen and legs. An abdominal ultrasound can help find an AAA before it bursts and causes problems like internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
About 20,000 Canadians are diagnosed every year with an AAA. After age 65, your chance of getting an AAA goes up. Many people with an AAA do not have symptoms, so it is possible to have an AAA without knowing it. That is why getting checked is important.
An abdominal ultrasound is safe, free and only takes a few minutes. To help protect your health, call your doctor or nurse practitioner to make an appointment for your abdominal ultrasound as soon as you can.
Sincerely,
Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health
What is an aorta?
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the abdomen and legs. The aorta starts at the top of the heart, travels up and then curves down through the chest and into the abdomen. From there, the abdominal part of the aorta branches out to send blood to the abdominal organs and legs.
What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge in the wall of the aorta in the abdomen. Over time, the aneurysm can grow and could eventually burst. A burst in an aneurysm is a medical emergency because it causes serious internal bleeding and can be life-threatening.
Most AAAs grow slowly without symptoms. When someone has symptoms, it usually means the AAA is about to burst. Because AAAs often have no symptoms, it is important for people who have a higher chance of getting AAAs to have an abdominal ultrasound. This test can
help find an AAA early and treat it before it causes serious problems.
What happens during an abdominal ultrasound?
An abdominal ultrasound is a simple, painless test. A health care professional will put a small device on your abdomen, called an ultrasound probe. This probe sends sound waves into your body, which bounce off your aorta to create an image. The health care professional will check the image for any signs of a bulge or aneurysm. This test usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes and you can go back to your normal activities right after the test.
How often do I need an abdominal ultrasound and when should I stop testing?
Most people only need 1 abdominal ultrasound between the ages of 65 and 80. You may need more testing if your doctor or nurse practitioner thinks you have a higher chance of getting an AAA or if there are concerns after your abdominal ultrasound.
How can I get a doctor or nurse practitioner if I no longer have one?
Call Health811 at 811 (TTY: 1.866.797.0007) or visit ontario.ca/healthcareconnect. To find Indigenous-led health centres, visit iphcc.ca/meet-our-members or afhto.ca/find-team-near-you.
HOW TO LEARN MORE
Call your doctor or nurse practitioner to learn more about the abdominal ultrasound for AAA
For more information, scan this QR code or visit ontariohealth.ca/OAAASP
or-
Call toll-free: 1.866.662.9233 Monday to Friday (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Need this information in an accessible format? 1.877.280.8538 / TTY 1.800.855.0511 | info@ontariohealth.ca
Pour obtenir cette lettre personnalisée en français, appelez le 1.866.662.9233. Pour recevoir toutes les lettres de dépistage futures en français, contactez ServiceOntario au 1.800.268.1154 et changer votre langue préférée.
To stop getting screening letters, fill out the Participant Information Form at ontariohealth.ca/OAAASP
or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.
Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy-FAQs
OAAASPINVRMDPLC0725
Privacy Notice
Why you are getting this letter
You are getting this letter because you have been invited to do a screening test or you are waiting for a screening test result. The purpose of this letter is to let you know how your personal health information is used by Ontario Health to support our screening programs for cancer and other chronic diseases, and the measures we take to ensure your privacy is protected.
Why we collect personal health information
Ontario Health, an agency of the Ministry of Health, manages screening programs in Ontario. Ontario Health collects personal health information under s. 39(1)(c) of the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) and in accordance with s.13(1) paragraphs 1, 6.1 and 9 of Ontario Regulation 329/04. The screening programs use the information to help improve prevention and early detection of cancer and other chronic diseases, including colon cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer and abdominal aortic aneurysm. For example, to send letters inviting people to get screened. Ontario Health acts according to PHIPA while collecting and using personal health information.
How we collect and store personal health information
Under PHIPA, which is Ontario’s health privacy law, Ontario Health collects secured personal health information from health care facilities, labs, the Ministry of Health and health professionals, such as doctors and nurse practitioners. Ontario Health stores personal health information in a safe and secure database. This database can only be seen by our authorized employees who are required to follow our privacy policies.
How we use personal health information
- We send letters inviting people to get a screening test
- In selected screening programs, we also give people their screening test results
- We remind people when it is time to get another screening test
- We make improvements to the screening programs
How to stop getting letters from Ontario Health
At any time, you can ask us to stop sending you letters about getting tested. To stop getting these letters, fill out the Participant Information Form at ontariohealth.ca/OAAASP or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. Print the form and fax or mail it back.
To learn more about the screening programs’ privacy rules at Ontario Health, call 1.866.662.9233, visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy-faqs or email info@ontariohealth.ca.
Need this information in an accessible format? 1.877.280.8538 / TTY 1.800.855.0511 | info@ontariohealth.ca
Pour obtenir cette lettre en français, appelez le 1.866.662.9233. Pour recevoir toutes les lettres de dépistage futures en français, contactez ServiceOntario au 1.800.268.1154 et changer votre langue préférée.
ALLPN0725
You Can Change Your Mind About Getting Letters at any Time
If you no longer want to get these letters from Ontario Health or if you want to change your personal information, follow these 3 steps:
- Download this Participant Information Form.
- Fill out the appropriate sections.
- Fax the completed form to 1-866-682-9534 or mail it to the address on page 2 of the form. Detailed instructions and contact information are on the form – for help, call 1-866-662-9233. To protect your privacy, please do not email the form.
If you have questions about the Ontario Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program, call us toll-free at 1-866-662-9233 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or use our contact form.
Alternative Format
If you get an Ontario Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program letter and need it in an alternate format, please contact us.
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Last Updated: September 09, 2025