Preparing for an appointment

If you are at risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm or having signs and symptoms of the condition, make an appointment with your family doctor. If you're having severe pain, seek emergency medical help.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet. Before certain tests, you might need to avoid drinking or eating for a short time.

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and when they began
• Key personal information, including a family history of heart disease or aneurysms
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including how much you take and when
• Questions to ask your doctor

For an abdominal aortic aneurysm, questions to ask your doctor include:

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• What tests will I need?
• What treatments are available, and which do you think would be the best treatment for me?
• Do I need regular screenings, and if so, how often?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:

• Do your symptoms come and go, or do you always feel them?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
• Have you ever smoked?