Lifestyle and home remedies

If you've been diagnosed with a thoracic aortic aneurysm, your doctor will likely advise you to avoid heavy lifting and some vigorous physical activities, as these can increase blood pressure, putting additional pressure on your aneurysm.

If you want to participate in a particular activity, ask your doctor if it would be possible to perform an exercise stress test to see how much exercise raises your blood pressure. Moderate physical activity is generally healthy for you.

Stress can raise your blood pressure, so try to avoid conflict and stressful situations as much as possible. If you're going through a particularly emotional time in your life, let your doctor know because your medications may need to be adjusted to keep your blood pressure levels from going too high.

There are no medications you can take to prevent an aortic aneurysm, although taking medications to control your blood pressure and cholesterol level may reduce your risk of having complications from a thoracic aortic aneurysm.

For now the most appropriate approach to prevent an aortic aneurysm or keep an aneurysm from worsening is to keep your blood vessels as healthy as possible. This means taking certain steps, including these:

• Don't use tobacco products.
• Keep your blood pressure under control.
• Get regular exercise.
• Reduce cholesterol and fat in your diet.

If you have some risk factors for aortic aneurysm, talk to your doctor. If you are at risk, your doctor may recommend treatment, including medications to lower your blood pressure and relieve stress on weakened arteries. You may also want to consider screening echocardiograms every few years.