Medical Alert IDs for Aneurysms

A medical ID is recommended for aortic aneurysms. An aneurysm is a disorder of the blood vessels and refers to a weakening of a person's artery wall that can cause a widening, bulge, distention, or ballooning of the aorta. If an aneurysm gets too large, it can rupture and lead to fatal complications.

According to the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS), aneurysms affect approximately six percent of the United States population.  An aneurysm is an invisible disease and is also referred to as the silent killer. Most patients don't know they have an aneurysm until they are found by accident. In an emergency, signs of an aneurysm are not readily visible to responders unless a patient wears an aneurysm medical alert bracelet or necklace to alert others of the presence of or the risk of aneurysms.

Every year, approximately 30,000 aneurysm ruptures occur. Aneurysms contribute to more than 25,000 deaths in the United States each year.

Types of Aortic Aneurysm

The type of an aneurysm is mostly defined by its location. The most common aneurysm of the aorta is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA).

• Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms – an aneurysm that occurs in the chest, also called Thoracic Aneurysm and Aortic Dissection (TAAD).
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms – an aneurysm that occurs in the abdomen.
• Cerebral aneurysms – an aneurysm that occurs in the brain.

A medical ID is recommended to all types of aneurysms. Consider wearing a medical ID if you have any or are at risk of these forms of aneurysm.

Who are at Risk of Aortic Aneurysm?

According to the CDC, diseases that damage the heart and blood vessels may increase the risk for aortic aneurysm. These medical conditions include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Atherosclerosis
• Marfan Syndrome
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

The most significant risk factors are cigarette smoking and family history of aneurysms. Aneurysms are more common in females than in males, and 20 percent of patients will have more than one or multiple aneurysms.  The average age of individuals affected by aneurysms is 40-60 years old.

Knowing that you are at risk for aortic dissection puts you at an advantage in the event that you experience unexplained chest, back, or abdominal pain... Medical alert bracelets are helpful, especially if you are unable to provide your medical history. The bracelet can relate a few key words or phrases that may be helpful to emergency department personnel. For example, people with Marfan syndrome might want to include on their bracelet: Marfan syndrome, aortic aneurysm, risk for aortic dissection, heart valve, Coumadin. Talk to your doctor about what is most appropriate for you to put on your bracelet. – Thoracic Aortic Disease Coalition

Medical IDs and Aneurysm in Emergencies

Aneurysm is an invisible medical condition, often without visible symptoms making it difficult for responders to recognize in an emergency. Medical IDs can alert others that aneurysm or the risk of an aneurysm is present.

The greatest asset these patients can be offered by EMS providers is early recognition, followed by appropriate transport to the correct destination. – Journal of Emergency Medical Services

Once there is a rupture, rapid emergency medical treatment is essential, but the Brain Aneurysm Foundation estimates that up to 25 percent of patients encounter a delay or are initially misdiagnosed, potentially costing lives.

What to put on an Aneurysm Medical ID

The most important role of an emergency medical ID is to quickly alert responders of an aneurysm or the risk thereof, to expedite transport to a correct medical facility. Accuracy of medical information presented lies on a medical alert ID’s engraving. A custom-engraved bracelet or necklace is recommended to reflect a patient’s most updated and precise medical information.

Here are some of the most important items to put on an aneurysm medical ID:

1. Name
2. Aneurysm – you can include the type of aneurysm that you have and other medical conditions such as Marfan Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
3. Additional medical information – include information if you have implants like aneurysm clips, pacemaker, etc. and if they are suitable for exams such as an MRI.
4. Emergency Contact
5. See wallet card – include this on your medical ID tag if you have an emergency wallet card on your person. A wallet card can contain more information about your medical history, including an accurate list of your current medications.

Common Abbreviations Related to Aneurysms

Source: Society for Vascular Surgery

A medical professional is the best source of advice on what to engrave on your aneurysm medical ID. Consult your doctor before using any abbreviations to ensure that they are easily recognized and understood by emergency responders.

For tips on engraving and more, please read our guide to choosing a medical ID.