About this topic
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It carries blood rich in oxygen from the heart to different parts of the body. The walls of the aorta are normally thick. They are able to withstand a normal pressure. In some cases, certain factors may weaken these walls. A bulge or pouch may form along the walls of the aorta. If it is in the area of your belly, it is an abdominal aortic aneurysm. If the area is in your chest, it is a thoracic aortic aneurysm. ‚
An aortic aneurysm may need to be treated with surgery. The causes of the aneurysm may be treated with drugs. Sometimes, the aneurysm is carefully watched by your doctor. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Control your blood pressure. Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Have your cholesterol checked. If high, follow a low cholesterol diet and take drugs if ordered by your doctor.
- Stop smoking.
- Find a way to manage stress. Try using ways to relax like reflection, deep breathing, and muscle relaxation.
- Lose weight or keep a healthy weight.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. The doctor will check to see if the aneurysm is growing. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower blood pressure.
- Reduce swelling of the blood vessels
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Lower the chance for rupture
Will physical activity be limited?
Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Eat food low in fat such as lean meat and poultry.
- Eat foods low in cholesterol.
- Eat a low-salt diet.
- Eat fruits and vegetables.
- Drink low-fat or fat-free milk.
What problems could happen?
- Rupture of aneurysm
- Splitting of walls of the artery into layers. This is called a dissection.
- Bleeding
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent rupture of the wall of the aneurysm and keep the artery from splitting into layers. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Sudden pain in your belly, groin, back, or chest
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Swollen area in your belly
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you how to care for my cut site.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have swelling, redness, or warmth around my wound.
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/arm/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚