Man with doctor

Aortic aneurysms develop slowly over time and often show no symptoms.

Most times, an aneurysm won't be visibly noticeable until it is large and requires immediate surgery.

Aortic aneurysm screening can help you identify aneurysms sooner, helping you develop a treatment plan and avoid emergency surgery.

The University of Maryland Center for Aortic Disease offers effective, long-term care for patients with aortic disease. Our surgeons and cardiologists work closely together to provide advanced treatments and intensive follow-up care to keep you safe and healthy.

Those who are at risk include: 

  • Males ages 65 to 75
  • Former or current smokers
  • Family history of aortic disease
  • Those who have heart disease, high blood pressure, and/or a body mass index (BMI) over 40

Genetic Testing

You are more likely to develop aortic disease if you have a family history of aortic disease or a personal history of certain genetic syndromes, including Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and Turner syndrome.

At the University of Maryland’s Center for Aortic Disease, our team offers a number of resources for patients seeking genetic evaluation, genetic counseling and testing. New genetic advances make it possible, in many cases, to offer early strategies for management and increasingly effective treatment of genetic disorders, whether they affect one person or multiple members of a family. If you were to have a personal or family history of aortic disease, or a genetic variant for aortic disease, our genetic counselors would also help determine if your siblings or children should be screened for aortic disease.

We offer screening for aortic disease for family members or friends that may be at an increased risk for aortic disease. To see whether you or your family would qualify, contact the UM Center for Aortic Disease at 410-328-4771.