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  5 Facts About Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

  Many people associate aneurysms with a sudden rupture in the brain. But an aneurysm can occur in any blood vessel in the body that has a weak spot in the artery wall, causing it to stretch into a balloon-like bulge. When an aneurysm occurs in the aorta, the large blood vessel in the abdomen that supplies blood to the legs, it’s known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). As with the brain, an abdominal aneurysm can suddenly rupture, causing death. But many people have abdominal aneurysms for years without symptoms or medical problems. So you know what to watch for to prevent this silent killer, here are 5 facts you should know about abdominal aneurysms. 1. They are fairly common. According to The Society for Vascular Surgery, abdominal aneurysms affect 200,000 people per year in the United States. This makes them the 15th leading cause of death in the country. 2. There may be no symptoms. Most people experience no symptoms of an abdominal aneurysm until it ruptures, becoming a life-threatening emergency. The majority of abdominal aneurysms are found ...
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  How Medicare Can Help You Screen for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

  How Medicare Can Help You Screen for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are a critical health concern, especially for those at higher risk. An AAA occurs when the wall of the abdominal aorta weakens and bulges outwards, which can be life-threatening if it ruptures. Fortunately, there are preventive measures and screenings available that can help identify AAA before it becomes a serious problem. For individuals with Medicare, there is good news about coverage for these essential screenings. What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm? An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a balloon-like swelling in the lower part of the aorta, the major artery supplying blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs. Often asymptomatic, an AAA can grow over time without showing noticeable symptoms, making regular screenings crucial for early detection. If an AAA grows large enough, it can rupture, leading to severe internal bleeding and potentially fatal consequences. Screening Recommendations The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that insurance plans must cover one-time AAA screenings for certain high-risk individuals without requiring a copayment or coinsurance. Specifically, this benefit is available for men aged 65 to ...
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  What are Varicose Veins?

  Some of us have more prominent veins than others. But when your veins appear swollen, twisted, or darkly colored, you may be suffering from varicose veins. Varicose veins affect 1 in 4 adults and can range from merely unsightly to downright dangerous. But what exactly are varicose veins, and what can be done about them? What Causes Varicose Veins? In the simplest terms, varicose veins are veins that are swollen with blood. Your veins have valves that keep your blood flowing toward your heart. When those veins become damaged or weakened, blood can back-up behind them and pool in your veins, causing them to swell. When this happens, they protrude from the skin and appear twisted, enlarged, and bluish in color. They are often called “spider veins” when they are mild thanks to their webbed appearance. Varicose veins are most common in the legs, ankles and feet. That’s because the pressure in the veins of your lower body is increased when you stand or walk. Any vein can become varicose. For example, hemorrhoids are a form of varicose veins that ...
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  What to Know About the Flu If You Have Vascular Disease

  As the chilly winds of flu season sweep across the nation, it's essential for everyone to be vigilant about their health. However, for individuals with vascular diseases, the flu can pose unique and potentially severe risks. Vascular diseases, including conditions like peripheral artery disease and atherosclerosis, can weaken the immune system and affect overall vascular health. Therefore, being informed and taking proactive measures is crucial for staying healthy during flu season. #1: Understand the Risks Vascular diseases can compromise blood circulation which makes it harder for the body to fight off infections, including the flu. Individuals with compromised circulation may experience more severe flu symptoms making them vulnerable to complications like pneumonia. Understanding this risk is the first step towards taking necessary precautions. #2: Get the Flu Vaccination One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from the flu is getting vaccinated. For individuals with vascular diseases, a flu shot is not just a preventive measure; it's a shield against potentially life-threatening complications. Consult your healthcare provider about the flu vaccine to ensure that it's safe and suitable for your specific condition. #3: ...
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  Vascular Disease Awareness Month: What Is Vascular Disease?

  September is Vascular Disease Awareness Month! By the age of 50, 50% of women and 30% of men are affected by a vein disorder.  What Is Vascular Disease? Vascular disease is a term used to describe numerous conditions affecting the veins, arteries and small vessels.  Here are just a few examples of vascular diseases: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Varicose Veins Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Symptoms can vary depending on the blood vessels affected. Coronary Artery Disease may present symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain while PAD can cause swelling, pain or weakness in the extremities. Unfortunately, a serious or even life-threatening event may occur before a patient even knows they have vascular disease as sometimes there are no symptoms. People are more at risk if they have a family history of vascular disease or have the following: Diabetes Obesity High cholesterol History of smoking Unhealthy diet How Does Vascular Associates of South Alabama Treat Vascular Disease? At Vascular Associates of South Alabama, their board-certified physicians are experts in treating patients with vascular disease. While some types can be treated with medications and changes in lifestyle, others may need surgery to ...
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  What Is a Vascular Surgeon and Why Do You Need One?

    A vascular surgeon is a highly-trained specialist who treats vascular diseases and provides comprehensive vascular care. Vascular disease is defined as “any condition that affects your circulatory system, or system of blood vessels” by Cleveland Clinic. Types of vascular disease include atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, carotid artery disease and pulmonary embolism. Do they always operate? While vascular surgeons do perform surgery, they also treat patients using only lifestyle changes and preventative health plans. Some conditions, like Peripheral Artery Disease, can be managed with exercise and a healthy diet.  Why would I need a vascular surgeon? Normally, a patient’s primary care doctor will refer them to a vascular surgeon if they’ve been recently diagnosed with vascular disease, present with pain in their legs or are at high risk. Patients with diabetes or who smoke may need to start a relationship and work on slowing the progression of vascular diseases. Some people may skip the general practitioner entirely after an unexpected trip to the hospital that’s related to vascular disease.  What should I look for in a vascular specialist? A patient needs a board-certified vascular surgeon who ...