An aneurysm occurs when a weakened area in the blood vessels bulges and poses a health risk if it ruptures. However, individuals may significantly lower their risk of developing or worsening an aneurysm by adopting healthier habits.
Keep reading to explore different essential tips that help in preventing aneurysms and promoting long-term well-being!
Understanding Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in the wall of an artery caused by the weakening of the vessel wall that may occur in the brain, aorta, or other arteries. Sometimes, an aneurysm may break open and cause bleeding inside the body, leading to death.
People with aneurysms may require regular medical checkups. If an aneurysm breaks open, a surgery may be required.
Causes And Risk Factors Of Aneurysm
An aneurysm may develop due to genetic, lifestyle, and medical factors, resulting from the weakening of the walls of a blood vessel. The different risk factors include
- High blood pressure may weaken artery walls
- Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque narrows and hardens the arteries
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Family history
- Age and gender
- Trauma or infections
Essential Tips For Reducing Aneurysm Surgery Risk
Here are different essential tips for reducing the risk of aneurysm surgery:
- Eat Healthy
A heart-healthy diet plays an important role in lowering the risk of developing an aneurysm. Unhealthy eating habits may lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and atherosclerosis, which are key risk factors for aneurysms.
Choose a diet loaded with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid eating foods with excess fats, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar. It is recommended to eat smaller portions throughout the day rather the large meals.
Making small dietary changes may significantly reduce the risk of developing aneurysms.
Read Also: Diet Tips for a Healthy Heart: What to Eat & Avoid
- Incorporate Exercise as Part of Your Routine
Engaging in regular moderate-intensity exercise may help in addressing aneurysm risk factors, including high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Physical activity strengthens the cardiovascular system and supports overall vascular health.
Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. You can start with light stretches in the morning, followed by callisthenics for 15-20 minutes.
Avoid heavy lifting or high-intensity exercises if you have been diagnosed with an unruptured aneurysm, as it may increase pressure on blood vessels.
Always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise routine to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your condition.
- Quit Smoking and Avoid Drugs
Smoking and drug consumption may increase the chance of developing an aneurysm. If you smoke, it is important to seek support from your doctor to help you quit.
You may be involved in different supportive measures, including nicotine gums, patches, and cessation aids, to assist in overcoming addiction to smoking. Also, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, which carries a similar vascular risk.
Drug abuse may lead to inflammation in the blood vessels, which further leads to the formation of aneurysms. If you are involved with drug addiction, you may reach out to a rehabilitation centre to offer support and guidance.
Taking steps to quit smoking and drugs is one of the important things to protect your vascular and overall health.
- Moderate Alcohol Consumption
Drinking too much alcohol may increase blood pressure, weaken the blood vessels and increase the possibility of developing an aneurysm.
So, it is recommended to stick to the recommended alcohol guidelines. You may avoid it altogether if advised by your healthcare provider.
If you find it difficult to limit alcohol use, talk to your doctor or seek support through a counselling or rehabilitation program. You may choose water, herbal teas, or non-alcoholic alternatives as a healthier alternative for long-term vascular health.
- Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Chronic stress and anxiety lead to a long-term increase in blood pressure, which may contribute to the formation or rupture of an aneurysm.
Take adequate steps to manage your stress and anxiety to prevent an aneurysm or rupture of a blood vessel. You may take some time off work if your job is a constant source of agitation and stress in your life. Participate in quiet, restful activities, including meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or relaxation hobbies.
Consult your mental health professional to develop effective strategies to cope with stress and anxiety more effectively. Reducing stress and anxiety helps in preventing brain aneurysms and overall well-being.
- Manage Cholesterol Levels
High levels of cholesterol may lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, weakening the vessel walls and increasing the likelihood of aneurysm formation or rupture.
Keeping your cholesterol levels within a healthy range is essential for protecting your arteries and reducing the risk of developing an aneurysm and cardiovascular disease.
Adopt a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats to manage cholesterol levels and protect your vascular health. Limit the intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol-heavy foods. Regular physical activity, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption may be beneficial in protecting heart health.
- Get Sufficient Sleep
Poor sleep or chronic sleep deprivation may lead to elevated blood pressure and inflammation, which can weaken the arterial walls and increase the risk of developing an aneurysm. Getting adequate, quality sleep is essential for maintaining healthy blood vessels and reducing the risk of aneurysm formation.
Create a calming bedtime routine and limit screen time before bed to improve sleep quality. Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, or alcohol in the evening as they can disrupt sleep.
If you experience frequent sleep disturbances, consult your doctor to rule out conditions, including sleep apnea, which may increase your vascular risk.
- Monitor Blood Pressure Levels
Controlling blood pressure is essential for preventing aneurysms and reducing the risk of rupture. High blood pressure adds constant strain on the artery walls.
Follow a heart-healthy diet and monitor your blood pressure regularly, especially if you have a family history of cardiovascular diseases. Take medications as prescribed and adopt lifestyle changes.
Effective management of blood pressure may help in lowering the chance of developing an aneurysm and protecting your overall heart health.
- Know the Signs of an Aneurysm
Recognising the warning signs of an aneurysm can be life-saving and prevent further complications.
The different signs of an aneurysm include severe headache, seizure, loss of consciousness, nausea, confusion, and double or blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms or suspect you have a ruptured aneurysm, seek medical assistance immediately. Prompt medical treatment may reduce the risk of permanent damage or death.
- Have Regular Screening if You are at Risk
Routine health screenings are essential for detecting conditions that may lead to an aneurysm.
If you have a family history of aneurysms, whether recently or in the past, it is recommended to screen for the possibility of developing an aneurysm. Most doctors may recommend screening every five years, especially if you are at risk.
Men aged 65-75 years who have a history of smoking are particularly encouraged to undergo regular screening. Additionally, if you experience symptoms such as eye pain coming from behind the eye, blurry vision, and paralysis of the face, consult your doctor immediately.
Your doctor may perform different diagnostic tests, including CT, MRI, cerebrospinal fluid test, cerebral angiogram, and abdominal ultrasound, to identify the aneurysm.
Early detection through screening can be life-saving and allows for timely intervention.
Conclusion
Aneurysm is a serious medical condition, and reducing the risk of aneurysm surgery can be done by managing blood pressure and cholesterol, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and prioritising quality sleep.
It is important to seek medical advice and regular health screenings, especially if you are at higher risk of developing an aneurysm.
If you or your loved one is at risk of developing an aneurysm or experience any warning signs, you may book a consultation with Dr Nikhil P J Theckumparampil of Heart360 Care for expert guidance!
Frequently Asked Questions
Early signs of a brain aneurysm include a sudden, severe headache, blurred or double vision, neck pain and stiffness, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience facial numbness, cognitive changes, or drooping. If you observe these symptoms, seek prompt medical attention.
Not all aneurysms can be prevented, but certain lifestyle changes may significantly reduce the risk of developing an aneurysm. It includes managing blood pressure and cholesterol, quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol. Regular check-ups and early screening are important if you have a family history.
Chronic stress may increase the risk of aneurysm by raising blood pressure and triggering inflammation that may strain and weaken blood vessel walls over time. It may lead to unhealthy coping habits, including smoking or poor diet, further elevating the risk of developing an aneurysm or rupture of the aneurysm.
The different lifestyle changes that may reduce the risk of an aneurysm include controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, quitting smoking and avoiding drug use, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and attending regular health screenings. These lifestyle changes support vascular health and help prevent aneurysm formation or rupture.
