Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms... You Can Do something About Them!
What do you think would happen in this country if every week a treatable
medical condition killed an equivalent number of people as on one commercial
airline flight? There would be outrage! There would be calls for action! Nobody
would stand for it...right? Well, I am sorry to tell you that in this country
about 15,000 people die each year from abdominal aortic aneurysms. This
treatable medical condition robs many families of mothers, fathers, brothers,
sisters, sons and daughters every year.
Are you or your loved ones at risk of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a weakness with enlargement of the major
blood vessel in the abdomen. Many times these show no
aneurysm symptoms until it is too
late. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is one of the most common aneurysms seen in a
medical practice. Men are affected more often then women by a ratio of 4:1.
| If you have been diagnosed with...
|
Your Risk of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms |
| |
|
| coronary artery disease (CAD) |
5% |
| peripheral arterial disease (PAD) |
10% |
| high blood pressure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) |
increased risk |
| |
|
| In addition, if you have parents or sibling who has
been diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, you are about 25%
chance of having an abdominal aortic aneurysm. |
The problem with abdominal aortic aneurysms is that they may rupture, and the
rupture risk is related to size. The five-year rupture rates are 25% for smaller
aneurysms, but increase to 95% for larger aneurysms. And nearly half the
patients with ruptures die before ever getting to the hospital. Even those that
make it to the hospital for treatment have a 50% mortality rate.
What treatment can be done?
The good news is patients often have one of two treatments for abdominal
aortic aneurysm options available: 1) The traditional treatment has involved
major surgery with replacement of the aneurysm with a new blood vessel, often
requiring a one-week hospital stay with a six- to eight-week recovery process.
2) A newer option offers treatment via small incisions in the groins. Less
invasive than the traditional treatment, this option requires a hospital stay
that can be as short as 24 hours, with a shorter recovery process. Not all
patients are eligible, but your surgeon can tell you if you are.
If you think you or a loved one are at risk for an abdominal aortic aneurysm,
ask your healthcare provider for an exam or a referral to a specialist.
By W. Scott Reid, D.O., Board certified specialist in vascular, endovascular
and general surgery.
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