An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a common condition, with more than 3 million cases each year in the United States, but it’s potentially deadly if it bursts.
Mykhaylo Terletskyy of Wethersfield knows the risks after his enlarged aorta, the primary source of blood to the body, started bleeding and then ruptured before a six-hour surgery by Dr. Thomas Divinagracia, chief of endovascular services at Hartford Hospital. (Endovascular surgery uses less-invasive techniques to treat blood vessel conditions like an aneurysm.)
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is more common in people over 60 (Terletskyy turned 60 this year) and smokers. Tereletsky felt increasing pain in his stomach, but back and side pain are also signs of a potential rupture.
How to prevent an abdominal aortic aneurysm? Stop smoking improve your cardiovascular health with up to 30 minutes of aerobic activity five days a week. Large or rapidly growing aneurysms require surgery.
Here is Terletskyy’s story:
For more information, please visit the Hartford HealthCare website or call 1.855.HHC.HERE (1.855.442.4373).