How to Avoid an Aneurysm

Steps

1. Quit smoking. In addition to increasing the risk of developing emphysema and lung cancer, smoking also increases your chances of developing an aneurysm. You may need your doctor's help to find the right program to help you quit.
   • Also avoid exposing yourself to secondhand smoke.
2. Moderate your drinking. Drinking too much alcohol can also weaken blood vessel walls, increasing the possibility of developing an aneurysm. If you have other problems related to excessive drinking, you may need to give it up entirely.
3. Use drugs correctly. Abusing drugs, prescription or otherwise, can lead to inflammation in blood vessels and the formation of aneurysms. Habitual cocaine users are particularly susceptible to the development of brain aneurysms.
4. Adopt a healthy diet. Choose a diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and non-meat protein sources. Avoid excess fats, cholesterol, sodium and sugar.
5. Exercise regularly. Exercising at least 30 minutes every day will help you avoid an aneurysm or prevent one from rupturing. Your doctor can recommend suitable exercises for you.
6. Monitor your overall health. Key factors to avoiding an aneurysm or preventing one from rupturing include monitoring your weight, cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure levels.
   • If at least 2 other members of your family have had aneurysms, you should be screened for the possibility of developing an aneurysm yourself. Doctors normally recommend such screenings every 5 years.
7. Manage your stress level. Taking steps to manage your stress level can help you avoid developing an aneurysm or, quite literally, "popping a blood vessel."

Tips

• Some doctors recommend that patients at risk for developing aneurysms or their rupturing take low-dose aspirin to prevent the buildup of arterial plaque that can weaken blood vessel walls. Consult with your doctor to determine if this treatment is right for you.

Warnings

• The most common symptom of a ruptured brain aneurysm is a severe headache. Other symptoms include seizures, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, vision problems, confusion or loss of consciousness. (In some cases, the rupture is preceded by a leaking of blood, which produces a sudden, severe headache.) Summon emergency help at once if you or someone else experiences severe headaches, seizures or loss of consciousness.
• Large unruptured brain aneurysms may cause pain behind one eye, a dilated pupil or drooping eyelid, double or blurred vision, or numbness or paralysis on one side of the face.

Sources and Citations

• http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=experts-what-is-a-brain-aneurysm
• http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm
• http://www.livestrong.com/article/9757-need-avoiding-aneurysm/
• http://www.cardiolabel.us/How%20Can%20an%20Aneurysm%20Be%20Prevented.html
• http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/brain-aneurysm/DS00582.html

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