|  | Conditions Treatments | Aneurysm

Non-Surgical Natural Cure For Abdominal Aneurysm

Aneurysms are localized dilation (widening) of blood vessels. They can occur anywhere along the path of the aorta, the main artery that transports blood from the heart to the body. Aortic aneurysms mostly affect individuals 60 years or older, with men more likely to develop the condition than women.

  1. Abdominal Aneurysm

    • An abdominal aneurysm occurs in the abdominal aorta. According to Innovative Vascular Health Group's website, the majority of aneurysms that develop in the aorta do so in the abdominal aorta. Also, about 90 percent of these abdominal aneurysms occur below the renal arteries, which leads from the aorta into the kidneys.

    Causes

    • The most common cause of aortic aneurysm is hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis). This weakens the aortic walls and places pressure on those walls as the blood is pumped through the aorta, causing the area of weakness to expand. Other causes include genetic diseases, such as inherited genes that lead to disease of the connective tissues, post-trauma, which occurs after the aorta suffers physical trauma, and mycotic infection, which is due to conditions such as immunodeficiency and syphilis.

    Symptoms

    • Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is mostly asymptomatic, meaning it produces no symptoms. In fewer cases, the symptoms involve abdominal and/or back pain. The pain is usually intense, sometimes occurs on and off, and is related to a pulsatile abdominal mass. If left untreated, the AAA can rupture, cause the afflicted individual to go into shock and eventually lead to death.

    Diagnosis

    • An X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is used to diagnose and track the disease. The technique used is based on the information required. For example, the X-ray is used to identify the aneurysm, but the results of an ultrasound are needed for a doctor to determine the aneurysm's size.

    Non-Surgical Treatment

    • A non-surgical approach to treat an abdominal aneurysm is used for patients who are not suited for surgery, such as individuals with aneurysms of 5cm or smaller. This approach requires them to stop smoking tobacco products, control their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and take medications such as beta blockers to block adrenaline receptors and to decrease blood pressure levels within the arteries. Also, every six to 12 months, or earlier for high-risk individuals, an ultrasound or CT scan is used to monitor the aneurysm's size.

Aneurysm - Related Articles