Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

by Garreth Myers


What is abdominal aortic aneurysm?

The aorta is a major blood vessel, which supplies the body with blood. This aorta is about the thickness of a garden hose and it extends from the heart to the center of the chest and the abdomen. However, at times, the aorta could be affected by a bulging and a weakened area, which is known as abdominal aortic aneurysm. Since the aorta is the main supplier of blood in the body, a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm could lead to severe bleeding. This is a very frightening condition, despite the fact that several people do not even have any abdominal aortic aneurysm symptoms. However, as soon as the condition is diagnosed, most people are advised to go in for immediate abdominal aortic aneurysm repair options. In case this condition is not checked and controlled at the right time, it could lead to ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm symptoms

Unfortunately, with most people abdominal aortic aneurysm symptoms are either to gradual or are totally absent. Therefore, this condition can be quite difficult to diagnose. At times, people may notice a few symptoms, such as:

  • Severe pain in the back
  • Tenderness, accompanied by pain, in the chest and abdominal area
  • A pulsating feeling, close to the navel

Diagnosis for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Before this condition can be treated or before the nerve is repaired, it is important to undergo a proper testing and diagnosis procedure. In most instances, abdominal aortic aneurysm symptoms are detected when patients are being tested for other conditions. However, once a doctor suspects that a person is suffering from abdominal aortic aneurysm, further tests may be ordered, which include:

  • A chest x ray
  • A Computerized Tomography (CT) scan
  • An ultrasound of the abdominal area
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Since people over the age of 60 are at a higher risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysm, they should undergo a screening procedure for this condition on a regular basis.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm treatment

There are several methods that doctors could adopt, for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and treatment. Some of the different options that could help in abdominal aortic aneurysm repair include:

  • Open abdominal surgery
  • Endovascular surgery

In case of a small or a medium size aneurysm, abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery is generally not recommended. Doctors may usually advise patients to wait and watch, as several times, the aneurysm gets repaired on its own. In some instances antibiotics and Statin medication can help slow down the growth of the smaller aneurysms and help in abdominal aortic aneurysm treatment. Studies also indicate that angiotensin receptor blocker losartan can help in preventing the formation of aneurysms.

At times, there could be certain complications that are associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and therefore, prevention is much better than trying to cure it. There are several home remedies and lifestyle changes that are also recommended for treating and preventing this problem. One of the best approaches to the prevention of this problem is by keeping the blood vessels as healthy, as possible. Steps that should be taken to prevent this condition are:

  • Quitting unhealthy habits like chewing tobacco or smoking
  • Reducing the intake of cholesterol and fat from a diet
  • Getting an adequate amount of exercise each day
  • Following the required measures that help to keep blood pressure under control, like eating a low fat and low sodium diet, reducing stress, getting adequate sleep and so on.

People who have a medical history of this condition need to speak to a doctor about additional measures to reduce blood pressure, relieve stress and anxiety and strengthen the arteries that may have been weakened.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
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