PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — More than one out of every 100 men and women over 60 years old are walking around with a ticking time bomb.
The aorta is a huge blood vessel that plays a vital role in distributing blood throughout the body. In the vast majority of people, it does its job, never causing an issue. However, in 1.5% of men and 1% of women, things can go bad after age 60.
The muscular wall of the vessel weakens, and it can be prone to rupture — killing 4,500 people every year.
Fortunately there is a screening test. A simple ultrasound can detect the problem and allow time for surgical repair. Those at greatest risk are smokers. All it takes is 100 cigarettes over the course of a lifetime to increase the risk.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
