How To Avoid Abdominal Aneurysm

How To Avoid Abdominal Aneurysm

Avoiding an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) — a potentially life-threatening bulging of the aorta in your abdomen — mostly comes down to protecting your blood vessels and managing long-term health risks. Here’s how to seriously reduce your chances of developing one:

🛑 1. Quit Smoking — #1 Prevention Tip

• Smoking damages blood vessel walls and dramatically raises your risk of an aneurysm.
• It also speeds up artery hardening (atherosclerosis).
• Even quitting later in life still reduces your risk — it’s never too late.

💉 2. Control Your Blood Pressure

• High blood pressure puts stress on artery walls and can cause weak spots.
• Target: under 120/80 mmHg (or as advised by your doctor)
• Ways to control it:
  • Reduce sodium (salt)
  • Exercise regularly
  • Manage stress
  • Take prescribed meds consistently

❤️ 3. Live a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

• Focus on:
  • Fruits & veggies
  • Whole grains
  • Lean proteins (chicken, fish, beans)
  • Healthy fats (nuts, olive oil)
• Cut back on:
  • Saturated fats, red meat
  • Sugary and processed foods

🏃 4. Stay Active

• Regular exercise keeps your blood vessels flexible and your heart healthy.
• Aim for 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week of moderate movement (like brisk walking).

⚖️ 5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

• Excess weight puts pressure on your abdominal arteries.
• It also increases risk for high blood pressure and cholesterol.

🩺 6. Get Screened (If You’re At Risk)

You’re most at risk if you’re:

• A man aged 65–75 who has ever smoked
• Someone with a family history of aneurysm
• Over 65 with high blood pressure or vascular disease

A simple abdominal ultrasound can detect an aneurysm early — before it becomes dangerous.

🧬 7. Know Your Family History

• Aneurysms can run in families.
• If you have a parent or sibling who’s had one, let your doctor know — you may need earlier or more frequent screening.

💊 8. Manage Cholesterol & Diabetes

• High LDL cholesterol and high blood sugar can damage artery walls.
• Take medications as prescribed, and eat a diet that supports vascular health.

🧠 9. Be Aware of the Signs (Though Often Silent)

Most AAAs don’t cause symptoms — that’s why screening is critical. But if one grows or ruptures, you might feel:

• A pulsating feeling in your abdomen
• Deep, constant pain in your belly or back
• Sudden, severe abdominal or lower back pain (emergency!)

Call emergency services immediately if you suspect a rupture.