MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO:
Emory Vascular Surgery is hosting a free ultrasound screening to check for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in partnership with AAAneurysm Outreach, a national non-profit organization raising awareness about AAA.

WHEN:

Jan. 30, 2016 from 8 a.m. to noon

WHERE:

The Emory Clinic, Building A (2nd floor), 1365 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30322.

WHAT: 

An aneurysm is a bulge or "ballooning" in the wall of an artery that can burst and cause dangerous bleeding or death. They can develop and become large before causing any symptoms. AAA occurs in the abdominal aorta, the artery that carries blood from the heart to the lower part of the body. It is the third leading cause of sudden death in men 60 and older in the U.S. An estimated one million people are living today with an undiagnosed AAA.

Individuals over the age of 60 have a higher risk of developing AAA, as are those who have a history of smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a family history of the disease. Men are at highest risk for AAA.

SCREENING DETAILS:

Individuals must meet eligibility requirements for the screening. Men and women 60 and older who have at least two cardiovascular risk factors and men age 55 and older with a family history of AAA and at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor are eligible for the screening once every five years. Screening involves a quick, non-invasive ultrasound of the abdomen, similar to a pregnancy ultrasound.

HOW:

Advanced registration and an eight-hour fast are required. Please call 888-871-3801 to make an appointment.

MEDIA INFO:

For parking information and to confirm attendance and coverage of this event, please contact Jennifer Johnson at 404-727-5696 or jennifer.johnson@emory.edu.