Are you at risk for AAA?
Gil Nelson likely had an abdominal aortic aneurysm for years, but wasn't even aware of it. Today, an increasing number of people know if they have AAA because more and more doctors check for this condition based on the patient's risk factors, especially their family medical history.
"Our three children now know that when they hit age 50, they should have ultrasounds to check for AAA," says Gil's wife, Carolyn. "If it's found ahead of time, it can be monitored and followed, and an emergency situation like we had can be prevented. With Gil, we were just so lucky. We got to the hospital in time and he got the emergency surgery he needed."
If you are aware of any AAA in your family, tell your primary care doctor. Other risk factors for AAA include arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), smoking and high blood pressure. Your doctor can work with you in determining the best plan for controlling these risk factors.
Learn more about abdominal aortic aneurysms.
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