Thoracic aortic aneurysm – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a disease where an artery wall abnormally widens or balloons due to weakening. This occurs when blood is pumped through it, and over time, the blood vessel affected may rupture or separate.

This disease can either be of the two forms:

• Fusiform – The aneurysm is uniform in shape with asymmetrical dilatation that involves the entirety of the aortic wall.
• Saccular aneurysm – The aneurysm is small and appears like a lopsided blister on the side of the aorta.

In the U.S., thoracic aortic aneurysm reportedly affects around 15,000 people annually. Furthermore, at least 47,000 die from an artic disease each year.

Known risk factors and symptoms of thoracic aortic aneurysm

The risk factors associated with thoracic aortic aneurysm include:

• Being 55 years or older
• Belonging to the male gender
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• A family history of the disease
• A family history of the disease that can weaken the blood vessels
• Hardening of the arteries

Thoracic aortic aneurysm does not usually cause early symptoms. Patients commonly experience signs of becoming sick once an aneurysm has expanded or ruptured.

When the blood vessels are enlarged, chest pains and back pains are commonly experienced by patients.

Body systems affected by thoracic aortic aneurysm

Possible complications that may arise due to thoracic aortic aneurysm are:

• Aortic dissection
• Compression or erosion into adjacent structures
• Leak or rupture
• Aortic valve regurgitation

Food items or nutrients that may prevent or relieve thoracic aortic aneurysm

Preventing or relieving the symptoms of thoracic aortic aneurysm can be done by consuming a healthy diet, particularly one that is good for the heart, such as:

• Asparagus
• Berries
• Broccoli
• Dark beans
• Dark chocolate
• Flaxseeds
• Fruits
• Healthy nuts
• Oatmeal
• Omega-3-rich foods
• Spinach
• Tofu
• Tomatoes
• Red wine
• Vegetables

Treatments, management options for thoracic aortic aneurysm

Medical monitoring is advised once a person is diagnosed with thoracic aortic aneurysm. Conventionally, healthcare providers recommend surgeries, however, there are home remedies to help address the disease and these include:

• Heavy lifting and vigorous physical activities must be avoided.
• Staying stress-free and calm all the time is essential.
• Maintaining healthy levels of blood pressure.
• Regularly exercising.
• Choosing a healthier lifestyle, especially a healthy diet.

Where to learn more

• Radiologists can now use interactive VR to gain a 360-degree view of internal anatomy, improving understanding and treatment of complex conditions
• A simple trip to the dentist caused one man to have a life-threatening heart infection
• Regular sauna sessions decrease risk of deadly heart disease by over half
• Prevent, and even reverse, cardiovascular disease with pomegranate – it cleans your arteries

Summary

A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a disease where there is an abnormal widening or ballooning of an artery wall due to weakness. It is characterized in two forms: Fusiform and Saccular aneurysm.

People who are at least 55 years old and older are more at risk of developing the disease. Other risk factors of thoracic aortic aneurysm are belonging to the male sex, smoking, high blood pressure, and family history of the disease.

Meanwhile, symptoms don’t normally occur until the artery has become too large or has already ruptured. Some experience chest and back pains. Possible complications which may be caused by the condition are aortic dissection, compression or erosion into adjacent structures, leak or rupture, and aortic valve regurgitation.

It is advised by healthcare experts to consume a diet that is good for the heart. Some of the best food items that support a healthy heart function are nuts, fruits, vegetables, tofu, and spinach, to name a few.

As for treatments, patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm are discouraged to do vigorous exercises and heavy lifting. In addition, they should stay away from stress, and commit to a healthier lifestyle.

Sources include:

My.ClevelandClinic.org

EMedicineHealth.com

MSDManuals.com

Health.ClevelandClinic.org

EPainAssist.com