Free health screening to detect abdominal aortic aneurysm

Pro football legend Joe Theis­mann is encouraging local residents at-risk for a deadly vascular condition to attend a free health screening taking place in Metairie to detect an abdominal aortic aneurysm, or AAA.

Theismann has a family history of AAA — a blood-filled bulge in the abdominal aorta that can burst unexpectedly often with fatal consequences. Theismann now serves as an ambassador for the Find the AAAnswers campaign which advocates for increased AAA awareness and preventive screening.

More than one million people in the U.S. are living with an undiagnosed AAA. If the aneurysm bursts, only 10 to 25 percent of people will survive — making it the third-leading cause of sudden death in men over 60 and research suggests it may be even more deadly in women. Risk factors are common — smokers, age 60+, family history of the disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other heart disease.

“Because of my family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), I understand the risks associated with this disease and encourage everyone who may be at risk – or who has loved ones who are – to make an appointment for the free screening taking place in Metairie on November 5th,” commented Theismann. “It’s ten minutes out of your day, it’s free and it could save your life.

Screening for AAA is quick and non-invasive, involving a simple ultrasound of the abdomen. When detected prior to rupture, 95 percent of AAAs can be managed and successfully treated.

The free screening event runs 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday, November 5, at the Kmart Pharmacy in Metairie at 7000 Veteran’s Memorial. Call (866) 371-3592 to register, as spaces are limited and advance registration is required. You must be 60 years or older to qualify. For more information, visit www.Findt­he­AAAnswers.org.

This article was originally published in the October 24, 2011 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper