January 23, 2006
Genesis Adds AAA Screenings Dates
Davenport, IA – Genesis Medical Center has scheduled four additional screenings for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm to meet tremendous interest from the public.
The available screening times for all four originally scheduled screenings – Feb. 2, Feb. 9, Feb. 16 and Feb. 23 – have been filled.
The new dates being added will be Thursday, March 2; Thursday, March 9; Thursday, March 16 and Thursday, March 23. All of the new screenings will be held from 1-5 p.m. at the Genesis Heart Institute, 1236 E. Rusholme St., Davenport.
Cost of the screenings is $35.
“We will keep scheduling these important screenings until everyone who wants to be screened has been screened,’’ said Karen Doy, Supervisor of Genesis Cardiac Rehabilitation. “We’ve been pleasantly surprised and encouraged by the public response.’’
Genesis is offering a Valentine’s Day gift idea for the husband, father or friend who has everything. Valentine’s Day gift cards, redeemable for the $35 cost of a Abdominal Aortic Screening, are available from the gift shops of Genesis Medical Center, Davenport and from Genesis On Call at 563-421-2000.
The gift cards may be a lifesaver.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, or AAA, is an undetected killer of more than 9,000 Americans each year. Without any previously detected symptoms, death can come suddenly if a weakened spot of the main artery running from the heart to the legs ruptures.
Among the celebrities who died from ruptured Abdominal Aortic Anuerysms were actors Lucille Ball and George C. Scott and scientist Albert Einstein. Hall Of Fame baseball broadcaster and sports celebrity Bob Uecker and former Vice-President Bob Dole had Abdominal Aortic Anuerysms detected and repaired.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms are relatively easy to detect using ultrasound equipment, but screening is not frequently done in the United States.
Doy said AAA is usually undetected until there is a rupture. That is too late. The mortality rate is more than 75 percent if there is a rupture.
“About 75 percent of those with AAA do not experience any symptoms, and about 80 percent of diagnoses aren’t made until there is a rupture,’’ Doy explained.
Only 10 to 25 percent of individuals with ruptured AAAs survive until hospital discharge, according to a report of the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force.
Factors that contribute to the weakening of the arterial wall are:
AAA screening is performed by an ultrasound technician who examines the abdomen. Participants should wear comfortable, loose, two-piece clothing. No fasting is necessary.
An appointment is required for the $35 screenings. To schedule an AAA screening, call the Genesis scheduling department at 563-421-1020.
