Usually no symptoms before death: Dr. cautions 65+ & smokers to screen for aneurysms

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Med Center Health says getting screened for one silent killer is a matter between life and death.

Med Center Health’s Dr. Magendran Danapal says he sees about two patients a week who have abdominal aorta aneurysms. 

He says early screenings are so important, because most abdominal aorta aneurysms are silent, and if they rupture they’re almost always lethal. 

He especially advises men and women over the age of 65 with a history of smoking to come get a screening. 

Also, if you have a family history of aneurysms, this can increase your chances of having one, so the sooner you get screened, the better. 

Med Center Health’s Dr. Magendran Danapal said, “These are the patients that we want to target, and we want to help them out before they develop any major health issues.”

Symptoms you can look out for are sudden onset abdominal pain or back pain. Sometimes aneurysms can form clots that travel to the legs, but for the most part aneurysms are silent.