How Can an Aneurysm Be Prevented?
The best way to prevent an aortic aneurysm is to
avoid the factors that put you at higher risk for one. You cant control
all of the risk factors for aortic aneurysm, but lifestyle changes can help you
reduce some risks.
Lifestyle changes include quitting smoking and
controlling conditions such as
high
blood pressure and
high
blood cholesterol.
Talk to your doctor about programs and products that
can help you quit smoking. Also try to avoid secondhand smoke.
Follow a healthy diet and be as physically active as
you can. A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole
grains.
It also includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans,
and fat-free or low-fat milk or milk products. A healthy diet is low in
saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and added
sugar.
For more information on following a healthy diet,
see the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institutes (NHLBIs)
Aim for a
Healthy Weight Web site,
"Your
Guide to a Healthy Heart," and
"Your
Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure With DASH." All of these resources
include general information about healthy eating.
Talk to your doctor about the amounts and types of
physical activity that are safe for you. For more information on physical
activity, see the Diseases and Conditions Index Physical Activity and Your
Heart article and NHLBIs
"Your
Guide to Physical Activity and Your Heart."
Follow your treatment plans for any other medical
conditions you have. Take all of your medicines as prescribed. |