Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screenings

Posted by: Tampa Cardio

On: January 22, 2018

Do you have a life-threatening condition that could go undetected until its simply too late?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is just that. Most patients report no symptoms at all. They will be completely unaware of an aortic aneurysm. Some patients will report abdominal, back, or flank pain leading up to an aneurysm rupturing. The actual rupture itself is where the pain begins.

Early detection is key because an actual aortic rupture can be lethal.

An Aortic Aneurysm, What Is It?

An aneurysm is a dilation of a blood vessel. An aortic aneurysm occurs within the aorta. The aorta is the major artery which supplies blood from the heart. An aneurysm can occur anywhere along the length of the aorta, but most commonly occurs in the abdomen. It is when an aortic aneurysm is left undetected and untreated that catastrophic complications can occur – an aortic aneurysm can leak and rupture. This causes extreme pain and internal bleeding which can result in death.

Are You at Risk?

If you are a man over the age of 60 you are in the highest risk group, though it can happen to women as well. Genetics plays a large role as well as having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes also present high-risk factors, however, the most common cause of an aortic aneurysm is smoking. Smoking can push the envelope and cause a rupture if you are already predisposed.

How Does Screening Work?

This is a preventative screening which is noninvasive and painless.This screening is recommended for men between the ages of 65 and 75 who have smoked or still do smoke. An aortic aneurysm can be detected through a simple physical examination – your physician will be able to either feel the dilation of the aorta directly, or they will be able to detect abnormal sounds due to turbulence occurring in the blood flow. Ultrasounds and cat scan can also catch a dilation.

Early detection is important due to the severity of outcome when left untreated. If you are a male over the age of 60, or if your family history predisposes you to such conditions, please schedule an appointment with Tampa Cardiovascular Associates today for an aortic aneurysm screening, and help to ensure your health for years to come. www. tampacardio.com 813-975-2800.

Posted by: Tampa Cardio

On: 22/01/2018

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