Vascular Diseases: Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

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Vascular Diseases: Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)


Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) The aorta is the largest artery in the body. The portion of the aorta that runs through the chest is called the thoracic aorta. When the wall of the aorta weakens and bulges it causes an aneurysm to develop called a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA).

Signs & Symptoms Sudden onset of chest pain Severe abdominal pain ***Most people do not experience any symptoms	Diagnosis Physician's Examination A health care provider investigates the body of a patient for signs of disease. It generally follows the taking of the medical history - an account of the symptoms as experienced by the patient. Together with the medical history, the physical examination aids in determining the correct diagnosis and devising the treatment plan. This data then becomes part of the medical record. Ultrasound A form of medical ultrasonography (medical application of ultrasound technology) to visualize internal anatomical structures. It uses transmission and reflection of ultrasound waves to visualise the aorta from outside the body (with the help of gel which helps transmission of the sound waves). CT Angiography (CTA) Computerized tomographic angiography is a minimally invasive test which combines a CT scan (X-rays and computerized images) and angiography to show detailed images of the blood vessels in the body. Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA) A minimally invasive test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical problems. MRA uses magnetic field and radio waves to take pictures of the major blood vessels throughout the body. Sometimes contrast material is used to enhance the blood vessels. Both blood flow and the condition of the blood vessel wall can be seen. Angiography An X-Ray study of the arteries. An IV dye (Contrast) is used to enhance the arteries so that they can be seen under X-ray imaging.
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	Treatment Stop smoking Control your blood pressure Maintain your blood sugar Lower your cholesterol level Maintain your proper weight Open Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

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WHO WE ARE The Center for Vascular Awareness, Inc is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization dedicated to fostering mainstream consumer and clinical consciousness of vascular health standards, disease, prevention and treatment options.	WHY WE WERE FOUNDED The Center for Vascular Awareness, Inc. was formed in 2004 to educate the community about vascular disease and keep the issue of vascular health at the forefront of the public's mind. Whether it be everyday lifestyles choices we as a society make, vascular research, interventional surgical techniques and options used in treatment- we at the Center for Vascular Awareness are driven to maintaining and improving vascular health as a critically important need.	WHAT SERVICES WE ARE PROVIDING The Center for Vascular Awareness, Inc. is dedicated to provide education in the field of vascular medicine to the public, physicians and other health care professionals. This website offers all levels of access to information relating to vascular health. We currently publish a vascular health journal, V-Aware^®, and soon will be offering outreach programs to the public. The Center for Vascular Awareness hosts quarterly Albany Vascular Roundtable meetings to the medical community. Please feel free to contact us to obtain additional information.	WHERE WE GET OUR FUNDING The Center for Vascular Awareness, Inc receives its funding from online fundraising, out-right gifts and donations, philanthropists and corporate sponsors. Thank you for your support. If you would like to contribute, please follow the instructions featured in the DONATE section of this Web site.

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