Vascular Associates of South Alabama diagnoses and treats aneurysms in patients in Mobile, AL, and surrounding areas of the Alabama Gulf Coast. Aortic aneurysms are the 10th leading cause of death in men over the age of 55. Fortunately, there are lifesaving treatments available, and we provide this type of care for patients across South Alabama.
What is an Aneurysm?
When there is a weakened spot in the wall of an artery, it can bulge outwards. This bulge or "balloon" is an aneurysm. While an aneurysm can occur anywhere, they are most common in the aorta, which is the major artery carrying blood away from the heart. Aortic aneurysms can form in the abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysms) or in the chest (thoracic aneurysms).
What are the Risk Factors for Aneurysms?
Men are at a higher risk of aneurysms, as are people over age 55 and those with a family history of the condition. The following factors also increase your risk of developing aneurysms:
- smoking
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- chronic lung disease
- hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
- arterial injury
- connective tissue disorder
Aneurysm Diagnosis in Mobile, AL
Most aneurysms cause only very subtle symptoms-- sometimes no symptoms at all-- so it's important to be pro-active about screening. If you have high risk factors for aneurysm, speak to your physician about screening or schedule a consultation with our vascular care experts.
Early detection is the key to successful treatment, and screening is simple and painless. At Vascular Associates of South Alabama, we use ultrasound to evaluate a patient's arteries. The ultrasound technician passes a hand-held device over the area to gather images of the arteries. They then check those images for enlarged or bulging areas in the arteries.
Aortic Aneurysm Treatment in South Alabama
Treatment options vary depending on the size and rate of growth of the aneurysm. In the case of a very small aneurysm, routine monitoring is standard, along with a recommendation for lifestyle changes. Exercising, controlling hypertension (high blood pressure), and stopping smoking are all excellent ways to manage a small aneurysm from developing into something more dangerous.
For a larger or symptomatic aneurysm, or in cases where there's a higher risk of rupture or dissection, surgical repair may be necessary. Our expert vascular surgeons are specially trained in innovative and effective aneurysm treatments. We specialize in vascular treatments and are committed to providing the best care available today.
Aneurysm Treatment Specialists on the Alabama Gulf Coast
If you are at risk or have a history or aneurysms, the experts at Vascular Associates of South Alabama would like to help. We provide comprehensive vascular care for patients throughout Coastal Alabama and Coastal Mississippi. New patients are always welcome, and we accept most major medical insurance plans.
Give us a call to schedule a vascular evaluation, or contact us online.