Prevention Of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

You may be able to reduce the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm. To do this, you can manage the risk factors for atherosclerosis.

If you do smoke, stop now

If you have high cholesterol:

Eat a diet low in fat and cholesterol

If necessary, take medication to lower cholesterol

If you have high blood pressure:

Maintain a healthy weight or reducing your calorie intake if you have more weight

Reduce salt intake

Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Take medications to control blood pressure need to

If you have diabetes:

Monitor your blood glucose frequently

Follow a healthy diet

Keep your blood pressure within normal range

Try to lower LDL cholesterol to 100 mg / dL, therapy, if necessary

Also, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight.

Men 65 to 75 who have ever smoked should have a screening ultrasound at once.

Treatment Of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Here are some general guidelines for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms:

A small aneurysm. If you have a small abdominal aortic aneurysms - a total of 1.6 inches or 4 centimeters (cm) in diameter or smaller - and you do not have symptoms, your doctor may suggest watch-and-wait (observation) approach, rather than intervention surgery. In general, surgery is required a small aneurysms because the risk of surgery outweighs the risk of rupture.

If you choose this method, the doctor will monitor your aneurysm with periodic ultrasounds, usually every six to 12 months and encourage you to report immediately if you start having abdominal pain or back pain - potential signs of dissection or rest.

Aneurysm average. The average aneurysm measures between 1.6 and 2.2 inches (4 and 5.6 cm). It is less clear how the risks of surgery against the event stack waiting, medium-sized abdominal aortic aneurysm. You need to discuss the benefits and risks of surgery compared with waiting, and make a decision with your doctor.

Large, fast growing or leaking aneurysm. If you have an aneurysm, which is large (more than 2.2 inches or 5.6 cm) or fast growing (more than 0.5 cm over six months), you will probably need surgery. In addition, losses, or aneurysm race requires a painful treatment. There are two types of surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Open abdominal surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm involves removing the damaged portion of the aorta and replace it with a synthetic tube (graft) is sewn in place with an open lap. With this type of operation, it is likely you will need several months to fully recover.

Endovascular surgery is a less invasive procedure is sometimes used to repair an aneurysm. Doctors attach a synthetic graft at the end of a thin tube (catheter) is inserted through an artery in the leg and threaded into the aorta. The graft - a tube of fabric, covered with wire mesh support - is placed at the site of the aneurysm and fastened in place with small hooks or nails. The graft reinforces the weakened section of the aorta to prevent rupture of the aneurysm.

The recovery time for people who have endovascular surgery is shorter than for people who have opened abdominal surgery - about one to two weeks compared to six weeks for open surgery.

The possibilities for treating your aneurysm will depend on several factors, including the location of the aneurysm, your age, kidney function and other factors that may increase your risk of surgery or endovascular treatment.

Symptoms Of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysms often grow slowly and often without symptoms, making them difficult to detect. Some aneurysms will never rupture. Many start small and stay small, although many expand over time. Some aortic aneurysms enlarge slowly, increasing by less than half an inch (1.2 cm) per year. Others grow at a faster rate, increasing the risk of fracture. How long an aortic aneurysm can enlarge hard to predict.

As an aortic aneurysm grows, some people may notice:

A sensation near the navel button

Tenderness or pain in the abdomen or chest

Backache

When to see a doctor

You should consult your doctor if you have one of the above symptoms.

Anyone aged 60 and older who have risk factors for developing an aortic aneurysm should consider regular screening for the condition. Men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked cigarettes should have a one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in the abdominal ultrasound. Men 60 and older with a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm should also consider screening.

If you have a family history of aortic aneurysm, the doctor may recommend regular ultrasound scans to detect disease.

Causes Of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

The majority of aortic aneurysms occur as part of the aorta in the abdomen. Although the exact cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm is unknown, a number of factors may play a role, including:

Tobacco use. Smoking and other tobacco use appear to increase the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm. In addition, the harmful effects that smoking directly causes the arteries, smoking affects the accumulation of fatty plaques in arteries (atherosclerosis) and high blood pressure. Smoking can also cause aneurysms to grow faster than further damage to the aorta.

High blood pressure. High blood pressure, especially if poorly controlled, increases the risk of developing an aortic aneurysm. This is due to high blood pressure can damage and weaken the arteries.

Infection of the aorta (vasculitis). In rare cases, aortic be caused by an infection or inflammation that weakens a part of the wall of the aorta.

Aneurysm can develop anywhere in the aorta, the aorta, but when they appear at the top, they are called thoracic aortic aneurysms. More generally, the aneurysm in the shape of the lower part of the aorta, and are called abdominal aortic aneurysm. Rarely, an aneurysm can occur between the upper and lower portions of the aorta. This type of aneurysm called a thoracoabdominal aneurysm.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Overview

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a weakened and bulging area in the lower part of the aorta, the large blood vessel that supplies blood to the body. Aorta, about the thickness of a garden hose from your heart through the middle of your chest and abdomen. Because the aorta is the main supplier of blood from the body, an abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptured with fatal hemorrhage. Although you may never have symptoms, to find that you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm be intimidating.

Most small and slow-growing abdominal aortic aneurysms do not rupture, but big, strong growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms can. Depending on the size and speed of aortic aneurysms is growing, treatment may vary from watchful waiting to emergency surgery. When an abdominal aortic aneurysm is found, doctors will closely monitor it so that surgery can be scheduled if necessary. Emergency surgery for a ruptured abdominal aneurysm can be risky.