What Can Be Done For An Aortic Aneurysm?

The management and treatment procedure for an aortic aneurysm depends on the location of the aneurysm as well as its size and age of the patient. It is commonly seen that the thoracic aortic aneurysm can at times be detected much earlier before rupturing if the patient turns up for routine checkup. In case such a problem is detected, the doctor may ask to take precautions in order to prevent the aneurysm from further bulging. Medications and change of lifestyle is usually recommended by the doctor. In case the aneurysm is large, operative method may have to be used.

Aortic aneurysm primarily occurs in two places-

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm – This occurs in the chest area. It has been seen that genes are sometimes responsible for such a type of aneurysm. It may be congenital which means that the person may be born with it.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm – This occurs on the aorta that happens to pass through the abdomen. Primarily there are no signs of an aneurysm unless it ruptures.

With recent development in the medical field, doctors try focusing on minimally invasive procedures of surgery.

In a typical abdominal aortic surgery the aneurysm is stented, which is a minimally invasive procedure.

A stent is basically a small piece of metal which is passed through the aortic blood vessel from a small surgical cut on the groin area. A catheter is passed through this cut into which the stent may be passed.

This particular piece of metal, which is the stent, is attached to the inner vessel preferably over the weakened aorta for support. This prevents the aneurysm from causing further damage.

This method is not only a quick form of surgery, but is also known for a quick recovery time. It also does not carry many complications.

Some of the predisposing factors of having aortic aneurysm include-

It is seen that patients with aortic aneurysm are generally above 50 years of age.

As discussed earlier, thoracic aortic aneurysm can occur with patients having congenital diseases. At times, aneurysm may also be hereditary.

High blood pressure (B.P) is an important predisposing factor because extreme pressure on the aorta may make it weak and may tend to bulge.

Apart from blood pressure, cholesterol too contributes to aortic aneurysm. Cholesterol is nothing but fatty materials which may deposit in the blood vessel as plaque thereby making the blood vessel weak.

Smoking can also cause an aneurysm in the aorta.

Keeping a Check on Blood Pressure and Cholesterol- High blood pressure and cholesterol may be particularly harmful for patients with aortic aneurysm. Thus, once a patient is diagnosed with an aneurysm, he should make attempts to keep his level of blood pressure and cholesterol at a normal range. Cholesterol gets accumulated as plague in the blood vessel. This should be avoided.

Balanced Diet And Exercise – With the recommendation of the doctor, the patient may start few exercises to keep the body fit. Exercise increases the blood circulation in the body, keeping the blood vessels active. The plan of exercise should be discussed with the doctor. With this, a healthy and balanced diet is essential for aortic aneurysm.

Stress Management – Stress must be managed as much as possible. Distress may increase the blood pressure (B.P) which is again dangerous. Meditation and other therapeutic techniques may be used to manage stress. Smoking should be immediately stopped once a patient is diagnosed with aortic aneurysm.

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Also Read:

• What Is The Prognosis Of An Aortic Aneurysm?
• Can You Feel The Presence Of An Aortic Aneurysm?
• Can an Aortic Aneurysm Go Away On Its Own?
• Can You Die From An Aortic Aneurysm?