Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 38)

Thoracic aortic aneurysm Warning signs: Usually no symptoms until the aneurysm expands or leaks; then throbbing or aching chest pain, coughing or shortness of breath Take acTion: Call 911 WhaT’s happening: The aorta is the main blood vessel carrying blood out of the heart to the rest of the body. An aneurysm is an enlargement or split in the wall of the upper aorta, usually caused by hardened arteries (atherosclerosis) or a birth defect. Most aneurysms have no symptoms unless they begin to grow, putting pressure on surrounding organs. A leaking or burst aneurysm is fatal without immediate medical attention. Chest: online Let GMC Take Care of Your Heart To learn more about the advanced cardiovascular services offered at Gwinnett Medical Center, visit gwinnettmedical center.org/cardiac. Warning signs: Usually without symptoms; but a rupture causes sudden pain in the abdomen or back that’s severe, persistent or constant and may radiate to the groin, buttocks or legs Take acTion: Call 911 WhaT’s happening: The large blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs expands abnormally or balloons outward. Abdomen: Abdominal aortic aneurysm Warning signs: Inflamed, swollen and painful hands and feet Take acTion: Stop smoking WhaT’s happening: Buerger’s disease is a rare condition that makes the arteries and veins in the arms and legs swell up and become blocked by blood clots, causing infections and sometimes even gangrene. The condition is most common in men younger than 40 and is almost always associated with tobacco use. Medication can improve your circulation, but giving up all forms of nicotine is the only way to stop or prevent the disease. Primary Raynaud’s syndrome Warning signs: Pain or numbness in the fingers or toes (nose, lips and ears also might be affected), which may appear white or red Take acTion: Warm your hands by flexing or rubbing them or putting them in warm water WhaT’s happening: Primary Raynaud’s syndrome makes the arteries of the fingers or toes constrict as an overreaction to cold or stress. It’s common, especially among women, and most cases are annoying rather than disabling. If you experience extended episodes or it first appears after age 40, talk to your doctor, as it may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis or an autoimmune disease. Arms: Buerger’s disease Expert Care, Close By Gwinnett Medical Center is Joint Commission-certified as a primary stroke center, which means it has a full continuum of acute stroke programs, beginning when you arrive in the emergency department. It also participates in stroke research studies and has departments at GMC–Lawrenceville and GMC–Duluth that are dedicated to stroke patients. Opening in early 2012, the Heart & Vascular Center will allow the hospital to offer a full range of cardiovascular services, including open heart surgery. GMC–Lawrenceville is accredited as a chest pain center, which means when you arrive at the emergency room with chest pain you will be evaluated by a team of clinicians who specialize in cardiac services so that you can receive a diagnosis and treatment faster. The cardiac catheterization lab provides minimally invasive procedures and diagnostic testing, and the cardiac rehab center provides Stage I, II and III rehab care. Fingers: 38 Vim & Vigor • Fall 2 011 http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/cardiac

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil's Feature
So Long, Suffering
The Will to Recover
Healthy Hues
The New Survivors
First (Aid) Things First
Find Your Groove
A Healthy Tune
Stay in Circulation
‘X’ Marks the Spot
Pregnancy Predictors
Play It Safe
Prime Time Health
Full Strength
Lifesaving Gift
Out of the White Coat
Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center