January 09, 2006

Genesis AAA Screenings Could Save Lives

Davenport, IA – Genesis has a Valentine’s Day gift idea for the husband, father or friend who has everything.

The gift may be a lifesaver.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, or AAA, is an undetected killer of more than 9,000 Americans each year. Without any previously displayed symptoms, death from the ruptured main artery running from the heart to the legs can come suddenly.

Genesis Medical Center hopes that early detection of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, or AAA, can prevent death.  Four AAA screenings using brief, non-invasive ultrasound exams have been scheduled for National Heart Month in February at YMCA facilities in Davenport and Bettendorf.

Valentine’s Day gift cards, redeemable for the $35 cost of a screening, are available from the gift shops of Genesis Medical Center and from Genesis On Call at 563-421-2000. 

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms are relatively easy to detect using ultrasound equipment, but screening is not frequently done in the United States.

Karen Doy, supervisor of Genesis Cardiac Rehabilitation, 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:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Male gender
• Age 55 or older
• Family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm

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.

Here are the details of the Genesis AAA screenings:

Feb. 2 – 8 a.m.-noon, West YMCA, 3503 W. Locust St., Davenport.

Feb. 9 – 8 a.m.-noon, Bettendorf Family YMCA, 3800 Tanglefoot Lane, Bettendorf.

Feb. 16 – 8 a.m.-noon, North YMCA, 624 W. 53rd St., Davenport.

Feb. 23 – 1:30-5:30 p.m., Downtown YMCA, 606 W. 2nd St., Davenport.