VIDEO: AAA Screening with Dr. Williamson

by Dr. Kent Williamson

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the body’s main artery. If it ruptures, it can often be fatal.

Dr. Kent Williamson, a Vascular Surgeon for Mission Health, explains who is most at risk, “People who have a family history of abdominal aneurysms should seek screening, usually at around age 60. Especially men who have a history of smoking. If you have a first-degree relative that has had an abdominal aneurysm, you are up to 15 times more likely to have an aneurysm yourself.”

WATCH NOW >  Video: AAA Screening with Dr. Williamson

Regular smoking can increase the likelihood of an abdominal aortic aneurysm bursting. In fact, it can cause any given aneurism to grow faster, and make it more likely to burst.

Williamson continues, “The ultrasound test for screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm is essentially risk-free, painless, and very accurate. If the anatomy of the aneurysm is big enough or at a certain size or shape, we have some good options to repair.”