Prevention
The best way to prevent an aortic aneurysm is to avoid the factors that put you at higher risk for one. You can't control all of the risk factors for aortic aneurysm, but lifestyle changes can help you reduce some risks.
Lifestyle changes include quitting smoking and controlling conditions such as high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.
Talk to your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit smoking. Also try to avoid secondhand smoke.
Follow a healthy diet and be as physically active as you can. A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
It also includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and fat-free or low-fat milk or milk products. A healthy diet is low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and added sugar.
Talk to your doctor about the amounts and types of physical activity that are safe for you.
Follow your treatment plans for any other medical conditions you have. Take all of your medicines as prescribed.
Living With an Aneurysm
If you have an aortic aneurysm, it's important to follow your treatment plan and have ongoing medical care. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent many cases of rupture and dissection.
Aneurysms can develop and become large before causing any symptoms. Thus, people who are at high risk for aneurysms may need routine screening to find and monitor an aneurysm.
If you have a small aneurysm that isn't causing pain, you may not need treatment. However, you may need routine tests to make sure the aneurysm isn't getting bigger.
Your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat your aneurysm. Medicines can lower your blood pressure, relax your blood vessels, and reduce the risk of rupture. Take all of your medicines exactly as your doctor prescribes. Source: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
|