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(Men are six times more likely to suffer from this problem than women.) I had mine a year or so ago. It's a 10-minute appointment for ultrasound screening, looking for unusual swellings or signs of weakness in the wall of the aorta that could signal a future problem. You're told the results immediately.

My scan was clear, and I was told I'd never need another.

If they do find anomalies, the next steps depend on their severity. Small bulges mean you're offered 12-monthly screening to keep tabs on them. Medium ones mean you're offered three-monthly scans. Larger ones trigger a consultation with a vascular surgeon, with the possibility of stenting or grafting to reinforce the weakened area.

I don't know if US health plans elsewhere (or indeed in England and Wales) offer such scans, but if you're offered one, I'd strongly suggest you go for it. These aortic weaknesses are painless and asymptomatic until they rupture.