Test Urged for Older Smokers

Men ages 65 to 75 who have been smokers should get a one-time ultrasound to reduce their chances of dying from a ruptured artery, a federal health task force has recommended.

The findings by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force represent a shift from its last recommendation, in 1996, on screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms -- a ballooning of the body’s main artery in the abdomen. At that time, the group didn’t find enough evidence to take a stand on widespread screening.

Studies published between 1998 and 2003, however, have shown convincing evidence that the screenings could significantly help reduce the risk of death in the millions of men between 65 and 75 who have smoked.

The recommendations, published Tuesday in the Annals of Internal Medicine, are based on a study of four randomized, controlled trials involving more than 120,000 men 65 and older in Australia, Denmark and Britain.