An aortic aneurysm occurs when a section of the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from your heart, becomes enlarged due to a weakened wall. This condition is risky because it might burst, causing severe internal bleeding. In 2019, nearly 10,000 people died from aortic aneurysms, which highlights the need for early detection and treatment. However, with proper care and regular check-ups, many people with an aortic aneurysm can live long and healthy lives.
The advancement of less invasive treatments has significantly improved the chances of positive outcomes, and by making healthy lifestyle changes, individuals with an abdominal aortic aneurysm can manage their condition effectively.
Causes of Aortic Aneurysms
Knowing how an aortic aneurysm starts and spotting symptoms early can help in managing it better.
- Genetics: If your family has a history of aneurysms, you might have a higher risk.
- High Blood Pressure: It puts extra pressure on the artery walls, which can make them weak over time.
- Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and is a major cause of aneurysms.
- Plaque Buildup: Fatty deposits in your arteries can weaken the walls, leading to aneurysms.
- Infections or Inflammation: Certain illnesses that cause swelling or infection in the artery walls can lead to aneurysms.
Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysms
- Pain: You might feel pain in your back or belly that doesn’t go away.
- Throbbing Feeling: Some people notice a pulsing feeling in their belly, similar to a heartbeat.
- Breathing Problems: If the aneurysm is in your chest, you might have trouble breathing.
- Dizziness: You could feel lightheaded or even faint due to poor blood flow.
- Trouble Swallowing or Coughing: If the aneurysm presses on your throat or windpipe, it can cause these issues, especially if it’s in the chest.
Can Aortic Aneurysms Shrink?
When it comes to aortic aneurysms, the main goal of treatment is to stop them from getting bigger or bursting. Aneurysms usually don’t shrink on their own. Medical treatments focus on keeping the condition stable rather than making the aneurysm smaller. However, some natural methods can help support healthy blood vessels and may slow down the progression of an aneurysm.
Here are some natural ways to help manage an aortic aneurysm:
- Eat Healthily: Focus on a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This helps keep your blood vessels healthy and manages cholesterol.
- Stay Active: Regular exercise like walking or swimming can boost heart health and improve blood flow. Be sure to consult your doctor to find safe activities for you.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking harms blood vessels. Stopping smoking is key to reducing your risk.
- Control Blood Pressure: Keep your blood pressure under control with diet, exercise, and possibly medication. High blood pressure can strain artery walls.
- Reduce Stress: Try stress-relief techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to help keep your heart rate and blood pressure steady.
- Limit Alcohol: Drinking too much can raise blood pressure, so it’s best to cut back to support your vascular health.
These lifestyle changes can support your overall health but are not replacements for medical care. Regular visits to your doctor are crucial for managing an aortic aneurysm effectively.
How Doctors Check for Aortic Aneurysms
To find out if someone has an aortic aneurysm, doctors use several methods:
- Physical Exam: The doctor might feel your abdomen to check for a pulsing area, which could mean an aneurysm is present.
- Imaging Tests:
- Ultrasound: This is often the first step to see if there’s an aneurysm in the abdomen.
- CT Scan: Gives detailed pictures of the aorta to show the aneurysm’s size and shape.
- MRI: Provides detailed images and is used when more details are needed.
- Watching for Symptoms: Sometimes, aneurysms don’t cause symptoms, but they can lead to back or belly pain or a throbbing feeling.
- Risk Factors Check: Doctors look at your medical history, including family history and lifestyle factors like smoking and high blood pressure.
If you think you might have an aortic aneurysm or are at risk, it’s crucial to see a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and testing.
Surgery for Aortic Aneurysms and Easy Recovery Tips
If an aortic aneurysm is large or could burst, surgery is often needed. Here’s a look at the main surgical options and some simple recovery tips:
- Open Surgery: This type of surgery involves making a large cut in the chest or belly to reach the aorta. The weak part of the aorta is taken out and replaced with a special tube called a graft. This surgery is usually used for big aneurysms and requires a longer time in the hospital to recover.
- Endovascular Repair: This is a less invasive option. A small cut is made in the groin, and a stent-graft is guided to the aneurysm using imaging tools. The stent-graft helps strengthen the weak area. Recovery is generally faster with this method compared to open surgery.
Recovery Tips
- After Surgery Care: It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice. Take any medications they prescribe to ease pain and prevent infections. Don’t skip follow-up visits to check how you’re healing.
- Lifestyle Changes: Slowly get back to your daily activities as your doctor recommends. Keep eating healthy foods, stay active with light exercises, and don’t smoke to help your body heal and avoid future problems.
- Regular Monitoring: Keep an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol. Regular doctor visits are key to making sure everything is going well and to catching any new issues early.
Stay Informed and Listen to Your Doctor
Recovering well from aortic aneurysm surgery means listening to your healthcare team and staying on top of your health. Talk openly with your doctors, ask questions, and make positive lifestyle changes. Being active in your recovery can greatly improve your life and keep further problems at bay.