By | April 17, 2025
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How To Avoid Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Avoiding an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is mostly about managing risk factors and living a heart-healthy lifestyle, since many of the causes are related to vascular health. Here’s how to reduce your chances of developing one:

💡 First: What Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

An AAA is when the wall of the aorta (your body’s main artery) in the abdomen weakens and bulges out. If it ruptures, it’s a life-threatening emergency — so prevention is key.

🚭 1. Quit Smoking (or Don’t Start)

  • This is the #1 preventable risk factor for AAAs.
  • Smoking weakens blood vessel walls and increases inflammation.
  • It also accelerates atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in arteries), which is linked to aneurysm formation.

If you smoke, talk to your doctor about cessation plans — even quitting later in life still reduces your risk.

💖 2. Control Blood Pressure

  • High blood pressure puts stress on artery walls and can cause them to stretch or weaken.
  • Aim for under 120/80 mmHg if you’re otherwise healthy, or as advised by your doctor.
  • Manage it through:
    • Exercise
    • Lowering salt intake
    • Medication (if prescribed)

🍎 3. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

  • Focus on foods that reduce inflammation and support blood vessels:
    • Fruits, veggies, whole grains
    • Lean proteins (chicken, fish, beans)
    • Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts)
  • Avoid:
    • Processed meats
    • Trans fats
    • High-sodium packaged foods

🏃 4. Exercise Regularly

  • Regular physical activity:
    • Lowers blood pressure
    • Improves circulation
    • Supports healthy cholesterol levels
  • Aim for 150 minutes/week of moderate activity (like brisk walking).

🧬 5. Know Your Family History

  • If a close relative has had an AAA, you may be at higher risk.
  • In that case, screening is even more important (see next point).

🩺 6. Get Screened (If You’re at Risk)

  • Men aged 65–75 who have ever smoked are strongly recommended to get a one-time ultrasound screening for AAA.
  • Also consider screening if:
    • You have a family history of AAA
    • You’re over 65 with other risk factors

💊 7. Manage Cholesterol and Diabetes

  • High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and uncontrolled blood sugar can damage artery walls.
  • Use diet, lifestyle, and meds (if prescribed) to stay in a healthy range.

⚠️ Signs to Watch For (If Already at Risk)

Most AAAs don’t cause symptoms — that’s why screening is important. But if it does rupture, you might feel:

  • Sudden severe abdominal or back pain
  • A pulsating sensation near the belly button
  • Dizziness, fainting

If that happens: call emergency services immediately — it’s a medical emergency.