The Etiology and Diagnosis of Aortic Aneurysms

Course overview

The most recent data on aortic aneurysm deaths were published by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC data, 9,904 deaths occurred in 2019 from aortic aneurysm dissection, and 59% of those deaths were among men. Although not all aneurysms pose a problem, they can lead to serious health concerns, such as blood clots, pain, and death. Aneurysm progression, a measurement of aneurysm size over time, increases with age and because of several other risk factors. Aneurysm rupture is life-threatening and is considered a medical emergency. Ruptured aneurysms require immediate medical and/or surgical intervention to prevent death. Healthcare professionals must learn to recognize those at high risk for aortic aneurysms, provide adequate screening, and monitor those diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm. Early intervention and assessment by skilled clinicians are vital to diagnosing aneurysms, detecting aneurysm growth, preventing dissection, and reducing mortality.