Aortic Aneurysm

Living With an Aortic Aneurysm

If you have an aortic aneurysm, you need close medical monitoring and possibly treatment. Talk with your doctor about how often you should come in for testing.

Home treatment is appropriate to help prevent or control conditions that may be causing you to have an aortic aneurysm, such as atherosclerosis or high blood pressure.

• Stop smoking. Avoid secondhand smoke too. Smoking increases the rate of aneurysm growth by 20% to 25% per year, which significantly increases the risk of rupture.³ Try nicotine replacement therapy, use of the medication bupropion (Zyban or Wellbutrin), and supportive therapy. When used together, studies show these methods significantly increase your long-term success in quitting.⁶ For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.
• Control high blood pressure. To control high blood pressure, eat a low-sodium diet, and get regular exercise. For more information, see the topic High Blood Pressure (Hypertension).
• Control high cholesterol. To control high cholesterol, eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and get regular exercise. For more information, see the topic High Cholesterol.
• Manage your weight. Losing weight will not likely change the course of an aortic aneurysm, but it may lower the risk of complications if you eventually need surgery. For more information, see the topic Healthy Weight.
• Exercise. Try to do activities that raise your heart rate. Exercise for at least 30 minutes on most, preferably all, days of the week.
• Get a flu shot. Avoid getting sick from the flu. Get a flu shot every year.

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: March 13, 2006
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine David A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery
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