A routine heart screening at a Sanford Health facility in Bemidji, Minn., identified a life-threatening ascending aortic aneurysm in Todd Moudry, 53, prompting urgent open-heart surgery.
The screening, which included a coronary calcium score test, revealed Mr. Moudry’s aorta had dilated to 5.9 cm, posing a high risk of rupture, according to a July 28 report by Sanford Health News. Mr. Moudry underwent surgery within three weeks to replace the defective valve with a mechanical one.
Sanford cardiologist James Dewar, DO, said the case underscores the value of preventive screenings, especially for individuals with risk factors such as hypertension, smoking or a family history of heart disease.
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