The aneurysms that we see routinely involve the aorta (the major artery that takes blood from the heart toward the head, arms abdomen and legs), carotid arteries (going from the aorta to the brain through the front of the neck), iliofemoral arteries (to the legs, this is one of the reason the doctor will check the groin pulse), and popliteal arteries (behind the knee). If an aneurysm is found, depending upon its size, we decide whether to just keep observing it or to consider fixing it. Small aneurysms often do not require surgery, larger ones are at greater risk of rupture and the artery often needs to be repaired. There are medical therapies that reduce the chance that an aneurysm will expand or burst. These medications lower the blood pressure and the stress on the affected blood vessel. For genetic diseases, we are now able to target the cause for the weakening of the blood vessel wall.
If you are at risk for an aneurysm, or if you have one, this diagnosis needs to be discussed with a physician that is used to dealing with such problems. No matter what the size, or the cause, cessation of smoking and adequate blood pressure control will be needed.
Related Information:
The Three Most Prominent Vascular Diseases
High Blood Pressure and Stroke: How Does One Affect the Other?
Are You at Risk for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA)?
Aging Changes in the Heart and Blood Vessels
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