How can an aneurysm be prevented?
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Dr. William D. Knopf of Piedmont Heart Institute answered: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.
This answer from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute has been reviewed and/or edited by Dr. William D. Knopf.
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... More -
Dr. Stephen R Hazelrigg of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons answered:The risk factors for developing an aortic aneurysm include things that promote atherosclerosis of the vessel. These factors include uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, smoking and high cholesterol. A sedentary and stressful lifestyle may contribute but likely much less than the other factors mentioned. Although relatively rare, there are some genetic disorders that result in a weakening of the wall of the aorta that can also cause aneurysms. Preventing the development of an aneurysm, therefore, includes avoiding the causes of atherosclerosis as much as possible.The risk factors for developing an aortic aneurysm include things that promote atherosclerosis of the vessel. These factors include uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, smoking and high cholesterol. A sedentary and stressful lifestyle may... More
