Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) | How We Screen for AAA | Warning Signs & Symptoms Prevention & Risk Factors | “One Jog Away from Never Coming Back”

Prevention & Risk Factors

Your greatest asset for prevention is information. HealthYes! screenings can identify abnormalities, will give you valuable information about your vascular health, and will establish a baseline for you and your physician to monitor.

The large majority of deaths from ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms could have been prevented with early identification and treatment.

It is estimated that 1.5 million Americans have Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms, many of which go undetected. Greater screening efforts as well as the management of the following controllable risk factors will put you well on your way to preventing or managing “Triple A.”

Controllable Risk Factors:

1. Atherosclerosis
   80 percent of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms are caused by atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

2. High cholesterol
   If you have high cholesterol, follow your doctor's guidelines for eating a diet low in fats and cholesterol and, if necessary, take medication to lower your cholesterol.

3. High blood pressure
   If you have high blood pressure, follow your doctor's recommendations for changing your diet and taking your medication.

4. Smoking
   If you smoke, quit. Those that smoke are at a much greater risk of developing a Triple A.

5. Diabetes
   If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar frequently, follow a healthy diet and take your insulin or oral medication as your doctor has prescribed.

6. Being overweight

7. Lack of exercise and physical activity

Uncontrollable Risk Factors:

Other risk factors, unfortunately, are out of your control. Periodic screenings can help to identify the development and progression of AAA, allowing time for proper treatment.

1. Age
   Those over the age of 60 are at the greatest risk.

2. Gender
   AAA is more common among men than women.

3. Family history
   About 20 percent of those that suffer from AAA have close relatives that have also suffered from the disease.

Like other diseases we screen for, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms are considered a silent killer. They develop quietly over time and are best prevented through early identification of risk. Please join us for one of our vital, and potentially life-saving screenings.