A Simple Test Could Save Your Life

Aortic aneurysms are the 13th most deadly medical condition in America, but an inexpensive ultrasound screening could save more than two thirds of those people. A large British study of over 61,000 men aged 65-74 showed that screening those men was as beneficial as cervical or breast cancer screening for women.

Aortic aneurysm is when a blood vessel suddenly bursts in the chest or abdomen, killing about nine-out-of-ten people before they can be treated. Contrary to common belief, aortic aneurysms are slow growing and easily detected—they’re often found when doctors are performing ultrasounds for other conditions.

An ultrasound test takes about a half hour and costs about $300. It’s usually not covered by insurance, but a less expensive, quick screening can be done for about $50 by companies such as Lifescreenings.com. This screening will spot about 80% of aortic aneurysms. The remaining 20% of aneurysms are thoracic aneurysms (more common in unusually tall people).

Currently large studies in the U.S. are looking into who would benefit most from screening. Since most insurance does not pay for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening, The Wall Street Journal report based on the British studies suggests only men over 65 be screened since they represent the largest risk group. Those with a history of smoking or a family with aneurysms or other heart abnormalities should be checked by age 50.

For now, if you feel healthy with no pain in your back, stomach or chest, a quick screening may be worth the price. Even if surgery is indicated, the success rate is 95%.
SOURCE: The Wall Street Journal

Editor's note: Here are some websites for additional information on on aneurysms from the Medical College of Wisconsin. http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/1031002278.html
http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/954383375.html

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