Are you seeking diagnosis or treatment for an aneurysm? If you need an aneurysm specialist in the Daphne area, Vascular Associates of South Alabama can help. We treat aneurysms in patients all along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Aortic aneurysm is a serious condition that can be fatal. In fact, aortic aneurysm is the 10th leading cause of death in men aged 55 and older. However, there's good news: Lifesaving aneurysm treatments are available, and you can receive this and other state-of-the-art vascular care services at Vascular Associates of South Alabama.
Please call to schedule an appointment for aneurysm screening!
What is an Aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a bulge or "balloon" that occurs at a weakened spot in the wall of an artery. Aneurysms can occur anywhere, but they are most common in the aorta, the major artery carrying blood away from the heart. There are two types of aortic aneurysms-- abdominal aortic aneurysms (which form in the abdomen) and thoracic aortic aneurysms (which form in the chest). Each type of aneurysm causes its own set of symptoms (or lack of symptoms) and presents its own set of challenges and treatment requirements.
Who is at Risk of an Aneurysm?
Certain people are at a higher risk of aneurysms than others. Men have a higher risk than women. Smokers and people over age 55 are also at a heightened risk, as are those with a parent, sibling, or child who has had an aneurysm.
The following conditions can also increase your risk of developing aneurysms:
- hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- arterial injury
- chronic lung disease
- connective tissue disorder
Aneurysm Diagnosis on Baldwin County's Eastern Shore
Most of the time, patients with aneurysms experience only subtle symptoms, and some have no symptoms at all. For this reason, it's wise to take a pro-active stance. Be aware of your risk factors for aneurysms. If you're at a high risk, seek screening from your physician or schedule a consultation with the vascular care specialists at Vascular Associates of South Alabama.
Treatment is always more effective with early detection, and because screening is easy and painless, there's no reason to put it off. Vascular Associates uses ultrasound to screen for aneurysms and other vascular problems. Ultrasound is a simple and effective way to evaluate a patient's arteries. Similar to the ultrasound used to monitor pregnancies, our diagnostic ultrasound is a hand-held device. Our ultrasound technician passes this device over the part of your body being screened. The ultrasound gathers images of your arteries, and we check these for signs potential problems, such as enlarged or bulging areas.
Aortic Aneurysm Treatment for Daphne, Alabama
The size and growth rate of the aneurysm will determine the treatment options we recommend. If the aneurysm is very small, treatment is usually restricted to routine monitoring and suggestions for lifestyle changes to improve your general health. We'll probably recommend that you stop smoking (if applicable), exercise, and take steps to control your blood pressure, for instance. A lifestyle shift can manage a small aneurysm and prevent it from becoming more dangerous.
Larger or symptomatic aneurysms-- or those that have a higher risk of dissection or rupture-- may require surgical repair. Vascular Associates' team of vascular surgeons are trained to perform innovative and highly effective surgical aneurysm treatments. We are committed to providing the best care available today for our patients.
Aneurysm Treatment Specialists Near Daphne, AL
If you're at risk of an aneurysm, believe you may have an aneurysm, or have a history of aneurysms, we would like to help. The experts at Vascular Associates of South Alabama provide comprehensive vascular care for the people of coastal Alabama and Mississippi. New patients are always welcome, and we accept most major medical insurance plans, for your convenience.
Call to schedule a vascular evaluation, or contact us online with any questions!