PrevalenceStudy

AHI to Conduct Study on Aneurysm

Artemis Health Institute (AHI) in collaboration with Philips Medical Systems is conducting its first-of-its-kind study to look at prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Ultrasound machines will be used to test the prevalence of 'aneurysms'—a disorder that causes bulging and rupture of arteries-in some 1,000 individuals who are 60 years and above and have diabetes mellitus.

Said Dr Kushagra Katariya, CEO, AHI, "We hope to use the high-end imaging to detect the disease earlier than otherwise. During the course of the study, the attempt is also on creating awareness about aneurysms since people in India are relatively less aware about this condition. Therefore, a study like this will emphasise the need for regular medical check ups to pick up any prevailing risk factors."

"This is the first research on aneurysms being conducted on the Indian population," he claimed. Data from this and other such studies will add to Philips research database while improving public health awareness, allowing the company to further fine-tune its technology according to the geography in which it is being used. The study will be conducted conforming to international 'Good Clinical Practices' guidelines. Duration of the study is three months.

An aneurysm is a localised bulge of a blood vessel caused by disease or weakening of the vessel wall. Aneurysms can occur anywhere in the body, but are most frequently found in the chest or abdomen. Five percent of the population above the age 60 years is likely to suffer from aneurysms.

Aneurysms if not treated in time can rupture and are frequently fatal. The larger an aneurysm becomes, the more likely it is to burst. Most patients with aneurysms do not experience significant symptoms and are diagnosed with the condition by accident. Occasionally, the patient may have symptoms like abdominal or chest pain. Chain smokers, overweight people, high BP patients and people suffering from Diabetes mellitus especially above the age of 60 years need to regularly undergo an ultra sound to detect an aneurysm.

EH News Bureau