Question:
What are the ages of baby boomers?
Baby Boomers: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and its Complications
Many of the baby boomers are hitting the 60-year mark. One of the common medical problems for people that are about 60 years old (predominantly men), is abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). While anyone can have an aneurysm, there is a certain group of people who are at a higher risk:
- Men 60 years old or older (five times more likely to have an aneurysm than women)
- Smokers
- Overweight people
- People with high blood pressure
- People with high cholesterol
- Genetics
Abdominal aortic aneurysms generally present no symptoms. In most cases, an AAA is only found through a CT scan or an abdominal ultrasound. Abdominal aortic aneurysms can be fatal if not treated. If an aneurysm is small (less than 5cm), doctors will watch the progress of the aneurysm. If the aneurysm increases too fast or enlarges to the 5cm point, surgery will be needed to correct the aneurysm. Once an aneurysm reaches the 5cm point, the chances of it breaking open are much greater.
Whether a person is male or female, anyone 60 years or older should have a CT scan done to check for aneurysms, especially if the age is combined with any of the above risk factors.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery, while risky (as is any surgery), is usually successful. There are very little risk factors for an otherwise healthy person undergoing this surgery. The danger lies in allowing the aneurysm becoming larger than 5cm or if the aneurysm breaks open. Chances of death once an aneurysm breaks open is exponentially higher.
If an aneurysm breaks and the patient lives through the break and the surgery, the shock to the body may cause other complications, such as adult respiratory disease syndrome (ARDS) and renal failure. Both complications can be fatal, though ARDS has a higher fatality rate than renal failure. With special treatment using a ventilator, ARDS can be overcome.
Disability Frequently Asked Questions
Should I be ashamed of being depressed because of my amputation?
Can a person with an amputation live a normal, healthy lifestyle?
Do I have to have someone living with me if I am an amputee?
I have an amputation—is there a sport I can compete in?
Where do I meet others like me?
What are the ages of baby boomers?
Where can I find more information on baby boomer topics?
Are there special resources just for baby boomers?
Are there specific health issues I should be aware of?
Should I make the time to seek caregiver assistance and support?
Should a cancer patient caregiver enlist the help of outside resources?
What are some of the things I should do as a caregiver?
Can I get financial help if I am an elderly caregiver caring for an elderly spouse?
How can I make living with a child with a disability easier for me and the child?
Just because a child has a mental disability, does that mean he or she cannot learn?
Should children with physical disabilities be allowed to participate in sporting activities?
Can my child learn from sites on the internet?
What is the leading cause of blindness?
Where can a visually impaired or blind person find information and services?
Are there books that are printed for the blind or visually impaired?
Does an employer have to make accommodations for a deaf person?
Where can specific information on deafness and hearing impairments be found?
Is there assistance for hearing impaired workers?
Does a hearing impaired disability hold a person back?
Where can a hearing impaired person look for jobs?
Does a deaf or hearing impaired child have the right to attend public school?
Does a veteran get VA disability if the disability is not service connected?
Can a disabled veteran get employment?
Where can a disabled veteran get assistance?
Where can a disabled veteran find other disabled veterans to communicate with?
Where can a disabled veteran find information on local organizations?
What should I do if I notice symptoms of hyperreflexia?
Are there other issues a spinal cord injury patient must be aware of?
Does physical therapy help a spinal cord injury patient?
Is joining a support group for me?
Should I exercise to help with arthritis pain management?
Does arthritis affect other health concerns?
How does one cope with arthrits pain limitations?
What can I expect when I am out and about in a wheelchair?
What types of disabilities require the use of a wheelchair?
How can pressure sores be averted?
Do people with a short-term disability need a wheelchair?
Can cancer patients suffer from depression?
Are there anonymous ways of coping with cancer?
Does a cancer patient have to go to the doctor every day for medication?
Are there treatments to ease cancer symptoms?
What is a good way to relieve the stress of a terminal cancer patient's remaining time?
Is it possible to not be able to find the cause of chronic pain?
Should a person with chronic pain start an exercise program?
Can online chronic pain support groups help me?
Are there ways to control chronic pain?
What is involved in stroke recovery?
Do stroke patients recover completely?
Are online support groups helpful?
Are there drugs to help restore blood flow to the brain?
Does exercise help patients with multiple sclerosis?
Is multiple sclerosis curable?
Should I attend support group meetings?
Can Parkinson's Disease psychologically affect a person?
Can exercise help with Parkinson's Disease?
There are drugs to cope with the symptoms of Parkinson's--are there drugs to stop the progression?
Is there surgery for Parkinson's Disease?
Are there things a patient can do at home to help minimize the effects of Parkinson's?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Sherril Steele-Carlin |
