Speaking to radio DZMM, vascular surgeon Dr. Martin Villa said patients do not usually have themselves checked for aneurysm.
It can be incidentally discovered, however, when one is checked for other possible health problems.
Aneurysm happens when blood vessels swell and burst. It has symptoms such as body pains.
“’Pag nagkakaroon ng sintomas, pumutok na ‘yong [ugat]. Kadalasan kung magkakaroon ka ng sintomas, sumasakit ang tiyan mo, sumasakit ang likod, tapos kung talagang pumutok ‘yan, lalaki ang tiyan mo tapos you’ll go into cardio pulmonary arrest,” Villa explained.
“Kasi kung pumutok ‘yan, yung dugo na dapat umiikot sa katawan mo, napupunta sa tiyan, so bumabagasak yung circulating volume mo. So yun ang nagco-cause ng hypertension.”
Villa also cited statistics from the United States showing how aneurysm can be misdiagnosed.
“Kung titingnan mo yung statistics sa America, less than 50% ng ruptured aneurysm ang nakakarating sa emergency room. Doon sa nakakarating sa emergency room, less than 50% ang nakakarting sa operating room. At ang dahilan ng kadalasan noon is misdiagnosis, kasi kadalasan nga ang presentasyon , maaring kamukha ng ibang [sakit].”
The vascular surgeon said abdominal aneurysm is common among people aged 60-65 and have a history of smoking.
He advised patients who fit the said profile to see a vascular surgeon and have an ultrasound.
He added that doctors may recommend interventions for patients who are at risk of developing aneurysm.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
