Aneurysms that affect the abdominal aorta (AAA) can be one of the most deadly diseases if not detected and treated early. An aneurysm is essentially an abnormal enlargement of a blood vessel. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body extending from the heart down to the belly button.
AAAs involve that portion of the aorta between the rib cage and the belly button. Most aneurysms get larger over time. Allowed to get large enough, many of these AAAs will rupture. Ruptured AAAs kill approximately 75% of individuals affected by it. Unfortunately, AAAs tend not to cause symptoms until they rupture, making early detection difficult and necessary. Indeed, most AAAs are found incidentally on ultrasound or CAT scans done for other reasons. It is for that reason that many experts recommend screening in older patients and others at high risk. Although there are many factors associated with aneurysms there is no known actual cause. In some patients AAA may be inherited. In fact brothers, sisters and older children of patients with AAA's should be screened for an AAA.
Aneurysms below a certain size may be watched closely but over a certain size, strong consideration should be made for possible treatment. Treatment may include a big operation in which the abnormal artery is replaced or a smaller operation in which the aneurysm is "excluded" from the inside.
When an aneurysm is detected, one should be seen by a vascular surgeon to see what, if any treatment is necessary. |
Atherosclerosis is the deposition of cholesterol, calcium, waste products and old blood into the lining of blood vessels. The buildup of these materials is called "plaques", and they are responsible for strokes, heart attacks, kidney disease and leg gangrene. The process begins at birth, but accelerates as the person ages, become prominent after 40 or 50 years of age. Many factors are involved in the formation of plaques, but scientists believe that damage to the inner lining of the artery is responsible for most atherosclerosis. Three proven causes of arterial lining damage are high blood pressure, high serum cholesterol, and smoking. When the plaques accumulate and the arterial damage increases, the inner diameter of the artery becomes smaller. Less blood can pass through the blocked artery and less oxygen arrives at the tissues. This results in heart attacks, strokes, pain with walking, and leg gangrene.
Cholesterol is a chemical found normally in the body. It is use to construct cell walls, membranes and hormones. Is also found throughout the blood. Cholesterol in the body originates from the liver, or it may be absorbed through diet. Most animal products, such as meats, dairy, and eggs contain cholesterol. Plant materials usually
don't. Although we need cholesterol to function properly, our diet should not be high in excess cholesterol, otherwise the abnormally large amount of cholesterol may contribute to atherosclerosis and accelerate plaque formation. A high level of cholesterol in the blood is termed hypercholesterolemia.
Risk Factors for Atherosclerosis
Factors that have been shown to increase the chance of getting atherosclerosis are male gender, age over 65, family history of atherosclerosis, high blood cholesterol levels, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity. Current methods for reducing your risks of atherosclerosis are treatment of high blood pressure, smoking cessation, control of diabetes, reduction of high serum cholesterol and exercise. While some of these methods of treatment are with medications, other forms of risk reduction may be obtained through lifestyle changes. Moderate exercise, weight loss, low fat diet, and smoking cessation all help to prevent atherosclerosis.
Smoking a major cause of preventable deaths in the U.S. It is the biggest risk factor for peripheral vascular disease and directly results in heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths. Smokers are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack than nonsmokers. If you do smoke, get help to stop. As soon as you stop smoking your risks of vascular disease drops.
High blood pressure is known as a "silent killer." It may be present without any symptoms, and yet it results in heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and kidney failure. High blood pressure causes the heart to work harder and damages the arteries. If you have high blood pressure, you should work hard to control it with proper diet, salt intake and exercise.
High cholesterol levels can increase your chances of vascular disease, especially when combined with other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking and obesity. Normally, your liver makes all the cholesterol necessary for proper metabolism. But a diet high in saturated fats increases cholesterol levels. Methods of cholesterol reduction include eating a diet low in saturated fats, maintaining a relatively healthy weight and exercise. If cholesterol levels remain high, then your physician may prescribe a medication to lower your cholesterol.
Obesity and physical inactivity greatly increase your susceptibility to several diseases, including atherosclerosis. A regimen of moderate exercise and weight loss coupled with a healthy diet are the best treatment for obesity and inactivity.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body fails to make insulin for the conversion of sugars to energy. People with diabetes must carefully control their diet and take medications to maintain a healthy metabolism. Poorly controlled diabetes accelerates many disease processes, including atherosclerosis and the leading cause of death in diabetics is cardiovascular disease. |
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